Features

Mark MacNamara - July 1, 2011

Details of the Oakland budget, including the means for closing a $58 million shortfall, are still emerging, but the City Council has preserved the entire arts funding program.

Janos Gereben - June 28, 2011

From Double Bass to the Podium in Double Time

The first time I conducted the LSO [London Symphony Orchestra], it was for a rehearsal, and I had about two minutes to decide whether or not I wanted to step in.
Jesse Hamlin - June 28, 2011

For decades, the Afro-Cuban music scene was a thriving part of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. But with gigs drying up, the great players here have few outlets for their genius.

Vincent Tremblay - June 24, 2011

In this SFCV-exclusive video, Kermit Ruffins (one of the original Rebirth members) and Big Sam Williams talk about the New Orleans musical scene, its revival after Hurricane Katrina, and the classic tradition that is so clearly present when they put their horns to their lips.

Lisa Petrie - June 23, 2011

Episode 9: Composing for Kids. Back in the day, composers from Bach to Bartok wrote music for beginning musicians, but that tradition is overlooked today. Composer Belinda Reynolds talks about the joys and the importance of writing music for younger players, and gives a few examples and tips as well.

Janos Gereben - June 21, 2011

Some of the best things in life are free, as this list of summer concerts demonstrates. Catch orchestras, young performers, and recitalists for nada, using this insider guide.

Janos Gereben - June 21, 2011

Beethoven Missa Closes Symphony Season

Similar in grandeur and majesty, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Missa solemnis (Solemn Mass), both from 1824, are virtually at opposite ends of the composer's hit parade.
Edward Ortiz - June 16, 2011

At the Sacramento Philharmonic the future is looking a lot like the recent past. That comes by way of the organization suddenly parting ways with its Executive Director Marc Feldman last week.