Jason Victor Serinus

2011 wasn’t a great year for Congress or the San Francisco Giants, but a tremendous year for opera, as these recordings testify. There wasn’t room to include all the contenders.

Top soprano Angela Gheorghiu records a homage album, while EMI repackages Callas's recorded legacy yet again — this time with a new twist.

The Bay Area is replete with great vocalists and opera opportunities this winter and next spring. Here’s how to make the most of them.

The artistry of the 20th century’s greatest diva is again in the spotlight, in the wake of a new tribute album and more re-releases of her recorded legacy. In this persuasive summary of Callas’ impact, both the legend and the reality are analyzed.

Cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Christopher O'Riley pair up in a genre-blurring, sure-to-surprise performance in a San Francisco club.

A CD resplendent with Liszt lieder stands among the finest recorded interpretations available.

The title “The Future Is Now” may well prove prophetic for San Francisco Opera Center’s annual Adler Fellows Gala Concert. If the stars are aligned as they should be, no fewer than four of the artists who took to Herbst Theatre’s stage will soon shine brightly as leading artists at premier houses throughout the world.

he opportunity to hear two great pros, the divinely voiced Karita Mattila in partnership with master accompanist Martin Katz, is irresistible.

Four years on at the helm of the New Century Chamber Orchestra, its “fearless leader” reflects on her brilliant charges, and the challenges ahead.

SFCV’s critic visits New York to review a dark new chamber opera involving polygamy ... obsession.