Jason Victor Serinus

French soprano Sandrine Piau brings the sun indoors, in her splendid Berkeley recital, and carries hearts away.

The spell-binding baritone Matthias Goerne and his superb accompanist, Leif Ove Andsnes, take listeners on a transcendent artistic journey.

Handel’s Alexander’s Feast yields a compact masterpiece — fresh, original, beautiful — starring the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale.

A rapt listen to Dead Man Walking recorded from Houston Grand Opera’s 10th anniversary performances confirms that the opera’s brilliantly balanced score amplifies and personalizes the story’s emotional core beyond the realm of words.

Those who have been waiting to hear this marvelous soprano live will finally get their wish.

In its world premiere, a new chamber opera by Jack Perla and Rob Bailis gives seven extremely gifted Adler Fellows ample opportunity to make much ado about not very much at all.

Piercingly beautiful songs by Mahler and Shostakovich could make for one of the more profound recitals of this or any season.

The German baritone Matthias Goerne tells why he is drawn to songs with contemporary relevance, allowing him to plumb his emotional depths.

Here’s the bottom line: You’ve got to hear L’Arpeggiata’s Los Pájaros Perdidos, an immediate contender for “Best of 2012.”

Always exploring new ground, a beloved, smoky-voiced soprano turns back time by singing Ravel, Messiaen, and Dutilleux.