Lily O'Brien

Lily O'Brien is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the performing arts. She has written feature articles and previews for a variety of publications including Downbeat, JazzTimes, Marin Arts & Culture, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Marin Independent Journal, and Strings magazine. She is a singer who has performed professionally in a variety of genres, and an avid world traveler and bicyclist.

Articles By This Author

Preview

Abraham in Flames: Art and Authenticity Through a Persian Lens

Lily O'Brien - May 6, 2019

Polymath Niloufar Talebi’s operatic performance piece premieres at Z Space this week.

Artist Spotlight

Derek Tam: A Major Force in the Bay Area’s Early Music Scene

Lily O'Brien - April 26, 2019

The young keyboard wizard and conductor chats about his new position as executive director of the SFEMS.

Feature

Silkroad Ensemble Continues Its Mission of Radical Cultural Collaboration

Lily O'Brien - April 20, 2019

The multinational group offers the local premiere of a new work for Cal Performances on May 3.

Artist Spotlight

Gerald Clayton Talks About Jazz and the Creative Process

Lily O'Brien - April 13, 2019

The pianist and composer plays SFJAZZ with his trio April 20–21.

Artist Spotlight

Joyce DiDonato Mingles Genres in Songplay

Lily O'Brien - February 18, 2019

Everyone’s favorite mezzo-soprano adventures outside the opera world with her latest album.

Artist Spotlight

Howards End, America Finds the Opera in a Classic Novel

Lily O'Brien - February 9, 2019

Composer Allen Shearer and librettist Claudia Stevens talk about the creation of their new opera, which premieres in collaboration with Earplay this month.