Reviews

An artist who defies the stereotype: To play the violin and then the viola? James Ehnes sounds brilliant on both.

Massed forces in Santa Rosa undertake the mighty Brahms Requiem, seasoned with several spirituals.

Precision in playing C.P.E. Bach marks the local recital debut of a noted German pianist and conductor.

An esteemed international guitarist tours two continents, then ends his peregrinations with a melancholy, romantic Russian gem.

Helgi Tomasson's Nutcracker at the S.F. Ballet goes straight to a little girl's dreams with amazing design, realism, superb dancers, and the perfect tale to leave audiences enthralled.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s visit, marking the return of the great orchestra after a 15-year absence, offered the Bay Area its first look at Ludovic Morlot. And what a look it was.

A humble and fascinating composer conducts his ambitious new violin concerto, yet declines to take a solo bow.

A noted ensemble turns chamber music, old and new, into an adventure, with near-“purrrfect” results.

Sage artistry and inconsistently appropriate voice for repertoire characterized Karita Mattila’s recital of French, Finnish and German songs Tuesday night at Herbst Theatre.

An adventurous string quartet performs fresh takes on works unfinished by the great classical composers, in a new form of artistic “occupation.”