Reviews

Be'eri Moalem - November 17, 2010

The Del Sol Quartet performs an often mesmerizing always amplified program of new works that ends on an electrifying note.

Matthew Cmiel - November 15, 2010

The San Francisco Symphony last week tried to attract a younger audience, with a populist bent. While I applaud the idea, the success lay in increased ticket sales, not in delivery of a pleasing aesthetic experience.

Jason Victor Serinus - November 15, 2010

A very special recording from Jake Heggie features works that address love and loss with beauty and care, assembling one of the finest collections of American singers ever to grace a contemporary song collection.

Jason Victor Serinus - November 14, 2010

With a first-rate cast, world class conductor, and superb period instrument orchestra, the El Cerrito–based company reinvented as Berkeley West Edge Opera has taken another major step forward into the future with Xerxes.

Lisa Hirsch - November 13, 2010

The Makropulos Case, Janáček’s penultimate opera and the last production of the San Francisco Opera's fall season, is a roaring triumph in nearly all ways, starting with a stunning performance by Karita Mattila in her role debut as Marty.

Jason Victor Serinus - November 12, 2010

When a veteran soprano, lauded for her lyrico-spinto portrayals, takes over as Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at San Francisco Opera, hopes are high for a late-season triumph.

Ken Bullock - November 9, 2010

The traditional Japanese art remains wedded to folk custom, but with a distinctive New World edge.

Rebecca Liao - November 9, 2010

When Melody of China and Asian Improv Arts teamed up for “Shanghai Stories,” a concert of jazz and Chinese classical and folk music, exoticism brought a lacquered newness to familiar pleasures.

Steven Winn - November 8, 2010

Twice, in Sunday’s all-star-name evening of string trio music at Davies Symphony Hall, the center held.

Jonathan Rhodes Lee - November 8, 2010

In the hands of Philharmonia Baroque, expert interpreters and a seasoned period-instrument orchestra, it becomes apparent why 18th-century audiences were hungry for orchestral repertoire by the bucket load.