Tom Jacobs

Tom Jacobs is a former senior staff writer for Santa Barbara-based Pacific Standard magazine, and a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Daily News and Santa Barbara News-Press. He tracks and analyzes trends in the arts and social sciences, with an emphasis on psychology, the role of culture and the cultivation of creativity. A native of Chicago, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University.

Articles By This Author

Tom Jacobs - October 7, 2013

It has been an eventful couple of years for bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, professionally and personally. Now, he is back at the S.F. Opera for the first time in over a decade, in one of his signature roles, Verdi’s Falstaff.

Tom Jacobs - February 26, 2013

A passionate advocate of contemporary music, as well as a master of the classics, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter talks about composers she venerates.

Tom Jacobs - January 16, 2013

Now happily at home in San Francisco, Scottish-born conductor Alasdair Neale discusses his vision for the Marin Symphony and the need for a new model of concert-giving.

Tom Jacobs - October 19, 2012

Violinist Karen Gomyo approaches music with the assurance and sensitivity of someone who is doing exactly what she has always wanted to do.

Tom Jacobs - September 6, 2012

Semyon Bychkov reflects on his conducting goals, before he lifts his baton at the S.F. Symphony to perform Tchaikovsky, Bruch, and his fellow-St. Petersburg native Shostakovich.