Reviews

In a bold and successful move, Michael Tilson Thomas and the S.F. Symphony have condensed Henrik Ibsen's 1876 Peer Gynt into an outstanding musical-dramatic multimedia production.

A Great Performers evening, featuring soprano Renée Fleming and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, was a glamorous musical journey through France’s belle époque, and a spectacular vocal night to remember.

Mezzo Laurie Rubin is a natural performer with a heart-warming life story and a series of admirable accomplishments, including a book.

The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra partners with an aggressively multitalented violinist to wow its diverse audience.

The Bay Area’s own Jon Nakamatsu ranges widely in his pianistic techniques when playing Schumann and Beethoven.

Stanford University’s new Bing Concert Hall received its first public outing with a gala opening night celebration on Friday, the first program on a crowded Stanford Live winter/spring schedule.

David Fray’s account of Bach-in-a-minor-mode is puzzling, despite some deeply felt playing.

Debussy’s 150th birthday, celebrated fittingly by the S.F. Symphony with two great orchestral works, was lent a special luster with performances by Renée Fleming.

The San José Chamber Orchestra tribute to Lou Harrison and his and all his colleagues brought richness and depth, also evinced in the dedication that Turner and her musicians brought to the music.

Composer Arvo Pärt remains haunted by the Bible’s Adam, and a new CD reflects his probing musical ideas.