Classical Music Reviews

Every week, our professional critics attend concerts throughout the Bay Area to let you know what went well...and occasionally what didn't. Let their insights enrich your musical experiences, and feel free to share your own views!


Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 Marin Symphony  Elgar and  Symphonies Enlighten at Marin
January 31, 2012

If you ever wondered how today’s symphonies contrast with those of a century ago, a trip to the Marin Symphony to hear Alasdair Neal conduct the orchestra would have been enlightening.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 Cal Performances  Royal Mix From the Across the Pond
January 28, 2012

The Royal Philharmonic and pianist Thibaudet prove that the Hungarian half of its program can stand respectably next to the traditionally weighty Brahms German half.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra  English Delights From the PBO
January 28, 2012

An array of instrumental music, from delightful to incredible, make for an English feast, whipped up by a top guest-chef.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 Berkeley Symphony   The Berkeley Symphony Time Machine
January 26, 2012

Dreamlike reveries contrast with straightforward neoromanticism in the Berkeley Symphony’s programming of French and Russian composers.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 California Symphony  Food for Thought With the California Symphony
January 24, 2012

Score one for the California Symphony and cello soloist Joshua Roman, who displays major talent.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 Santa Rosa Symphony  Kahane's Triumphant Return to Santa Rosa
January 22, 2012

Revisiting his former home podium, a noted conductor and pianist connects wonderfully with colleagues in familiar and not-so-familiar music.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 San Francisco Symphony  Exquisite Contrasts Vitalize S.F. Symphony Afternoon
January 19, 2012

Two dazzling women — a pianist, a flamenco singer — infused a San Francisco Symphony matinee with a vivacity that thrilled listeners.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 San Francisco Symphony  A Martyr for the Masses
January 13, 2012

A semistaged production of Debussy's Martyr offered transporting performances, retaining spectacular elements of the original work, while emphasizing its beautiful music and religious mystery.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 San Francisco Symphony  S.F. Symphony's Wondrous Bait and Switch
January 6, 2012

A pleasant outing to the Symphony provides ranges from wild to superb and back again, with music that sweeps S.F. audiences to their feet.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
 San Francisco Chamber Orchestra  Beethoven at Full Attention
January 1, 2012

The small but powerful S.F. Chamber Orchestra brings the virtues of midperiod Beethoven to top of mind.

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