Previews

One of the most anticipated orchestra concerts of the season unfolds this Thursday, when Joana Carneiro takes up the baton with the Berkeley Symphony for “Música de Amor.”

If you’re looking around at the holiday concerts on offer and crave something new, drop in on the California Bach Society the first week of December, as it presents seasonal themed music by Johann Rosenmüller, with the participation of the great, local wind-band The Whole Noyse.

La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc (The Passion of Joan of Arc), has been hailed as one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of the silent era. Efforts to wed music to this film’s haunting images have spawned several hybrid creations. Bay Area residents will have an opportunity to experience a hybrid of celluloid images and live music on Dec. 2.

Enjoy a musical cornucopia, and do some good, as well when you join San Francisco pianist, composer, and conductor Stephen Prutsman for “Bach and Forth,” a look at what the works from the composer whom Prutsman considers “the greatest Western composer of all time.”

A rare opportunity approaches to hear the great mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade endearingly up close.

There are still two weekends left to catch Opera San Jose's Tosca. The company's cast of young professionals on the cusp of breaking out is perfect for Puccini's tale.

A must-see concert from pianist Sarah Cahill at the Hotel Rex on Wednesday will feature spiritual music from several angles.

Anybody who likes Romantic music will love Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs and the interpreter at the San Francisco Symphony this week will be the young, golden-voiced soprano Elza van den Heever.

If you haven't already (or even if you have) now is the time to check out International Orange Chorale of San Francisco.

A preview of the season opener at the Oakland East Bay symphony and a one-of-a-kind chat with Carlos Santana, who is bringing people together across musical lines, and is right in tune with the orchestra.