Artist Spotlight

These lively Q&A's aim to shed light on the personalities behind the music. Get to know your favorite artists...or discover someone new!

Artist Spotlight

February 8, 2012

Kirill Gerstein: Classical Ally to Jazz

BY Jim Farber

A young Russian-born pianist wins awards, emigrates to the West, concertizes widely, and teaches music at a prestigious school — all in a day’s work.

Artist Spotlight

February 7, 2012

Riccardo Muti: Building Bridges With Music

BY Wynne Delacoma

The new music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, headed for performances in San Francisco, reflects on music’s ability to connect people and build the culture.

Artist Spotlight

January 29, 2012

Kronos and Qasimov Explore Central Asia

BY Jeff Kaliss

Fresh from a European tour, the Kronos Quartet hosts a pair of Bay Area presentations of the tantalizing music of Azerbaijan, along with fascinating new additions to their repertoire.

Artist Spotlight

January 25, 2012

Leif Ove Andsnes: Quarter Century in the Spotlight

BY Trista Bernstein

A renowned Norwegian pianist finds home even on his frequent tours, and values the intimacy of smaller concert halls.

Artist Spotlight

January 20, 2012

John Harbison: Gatsby Motors Into Town

BY Jeff Dunn

A Bay Area ensemble performs a reduced-forces version of a classic American novel, set in opera form by John Harbison.

Artist Spotlight

January 18, 2012

Jake Heggie: To Compose a Triumph

BY Jason Victor Serinus

A voluble, wide-ranging San Francisco opera composer discusses the premiere of his song cycle portraying a French artistic genius.

Artist Spotlight

January 17, 2012

Herbert Blomstedt: Homecoming

BY Georgia Rowe

A great conductor approaches 30 years in his ongoing love affair with his former symphony, leading two programs in February.

Artist Spotlight

January 10, 2012

Triple Threat Pinchas Zukerman: Musical Meteor

BY Jeff Kaliss

Keeping busy as violinist, violist, conductor, and teacher, 63-year-old Pinchas Zukerman has plenty to say about what he’s learned ... and what’s to come.

Artist Spotlight

January 9, 2012

Pianist Ursula Oppens: Refreshing Blend

BY Marianne Lipanovich

A Grammy-nominated pianist reflects on her youthful exposure to great festival music, her recent tours, and her venturesome repertoire.

Artist Spotlight

December 14, 2011

Daniel Pollack: From Russia With Love

BY Jeff Kaliss

Daniel Pollack has fulfilled endless requests to return to perform in Russia, where he and Van Cliburn triumphed in the first-ever Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, 53 years ago.