Orchestra

An Otherworldly Premiere

Lisa Petrie - May 11, 2009

America can’t get enough of Mason Bates, the young alchemist who blends the sonority of traditional ensembles like the symphony orchestra with the limitless possibilities of computer-generated “electronica.” It’s almost as if we’ve been waiting for just such a sorcerer to put a bit of groove in our Grieg, to mix up our Messien, to bring something fresh and transformational to the concert hall.

Review

The Perfect Score

Dan Leeson - May 9, 2009

Some orchestral programs are naturally perfect — the compositions are linked by friendly key relationships, similar temperaments, and compatible styles.

Review

Spaced-Out Mussorgsky

Jeff Dunn - May 7, 2009

Another milestone in the history of American showmanship hit Walnut Creek’s Hofmann Theater last Sunday and Tuesday: California Symphony's claim to the world’s first presentation of a 3-D video to accompany — or rather, subordinate — a live performance of a symphonic work. The plea for more funding that followed was justified by the quality of the previous numbers on the program.

Preview

Spring Concert: Young People's Symphony Orchestra

Michael Zwiebach - May 6, 2009

Well-known Bay Area cellist Bonnie Hampton’s relationship with the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra goes back to the time when she was a pr

Preview

More Handel Festivities

Michael Zwiebach - May 5, 2009

The San Francisco Symphony and the Symphony Chorus contribute to the year’s Handel festivities with performances of three of the composer

Preview

Little Night vs. Big Sleep

Jeff Dunn - April 28, 2009

The pleasures and horrors of night follow upon one another when the New Century Chamber Orchestra opens its program with Mozart’s

Preview

"Made In the U.S.A."

David Bratman - April 28, 2009

“Made in the U.S.A.” is the title of Mission Chamber Orchestra’s concert of American music of a decidedly romantic and audience-friendly be

Review

Vivacity From Down Under

Georgia Rowe - April 27, 2009

There’s a lot to be said for youthful exuberance, particularly when it’s combined with the kind of stylish and refined playing offered by the Australian Chamber Orchestra Sunday afternoon at Zellerbach Hall.

Review

Music From Two Great Cities

Heuwell Tircuit - April 26, 2009

Guest conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier split his San Francisco Symphony program right down the middle last week to form a gratifying string of four evenings at Davies Symphony Hall. His first half offered two contrasting works from Paris, his second half two wildly contrasting works from Ralph Vaughan Williams’ London.