Artist Spotlights

Inspired by the work of John Cage, a noted choreographer’s Story/Time didn’t happen merely by chance.

New ways of eliciting sounds from a battery of ancient-to-modern instruments mark the performing style of a world-renowned Scottish percussionist.

A young Russian-born pianist wins awards, emigrates to the West, concertizes widely, and teaches music at a prestigious school — all in a day’s work.

The new music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, headed for performances in San Francisco, reflects on music’s ability to connect people and build the culture.

Fresh from a European tour, the Kronos Quartet hosts a pair of Bay Area presentations of the tantalizing music of Azerbaijan, along with fascinating new additions to their repertoire.

A renowned Norwegian pianist finds home even on his frequent tours, and values the intimacy of smaller concert halls.

A Bay Area ensemble performs a reduced-forces version of a classic American novel, set in opera form by John Harbison.

A voluble, wide-ranging San Francisco opera composer discusses the premiere of his song cycle portraying a French artistic genius.

A great conductor approaches 30 years in his ongoing love affair with his former symphony, leading two programs in February.

Keeping busy as violinist, violist, conductor, and teacher, 63-year-old Pinchas Zukerman has plenty to say about what he’s learned ... and what’s to come.