Michael Zwiebach is the senior editor/content manager for SFCV. He assigns all articles and content, manages the writing staff, and does editing. A member of SFCV from the beginning, Michael holds a Ph.D. in music history from the University of California, Berkeley.
No one saw it coming, but today everybody wants to write an opera, and audiences are embracing new work. San Francisco Opera’s general director has been squarely in the middle of that revival.
In 2012 SFCV reviewed 55 of the top classical CD releases of the year. Here is a lineup of highly recommended recordings that you can use as stocking stuffers, or as an end-of-year splurge for yourself.
Handel’s Messiah is one of those durable traditions that are the music industry’s equivalent of “Black Friday.” In the Bay Area, if this is part of your holiday to-do list, then here are five words for you: American Bach Soloists, Grace Cathedral.
Chanticleer, one of the more celebrated professional choirs in the country resides right here in the Bay Area, and its holiday concert features spectacularly sung, beautifully arranged carols and is a perennial favorite.
Beginning tomorrow, and through the weekend, the powerhouse New Century Chamber Orchestra continues to open its repertoire with both new music and great arrangements.
Magen Solomon’s San Francisco Choral Artists, having justreceived a favorable review in Fanfare for their recent With Strings Attached CD, should makeanyone’s shortlist of choral concerts to attend.
The Alexander String Quartet visits the Mondavi Center with Schubert quartets on the bill. The Alexanders are a superb, long-standing group which doesn’t get enough credit for their fine music-making.
