Artist Spotlights

Lara Downes - September 29, 2015

He radiates joy in music, but is introspective in person. Here’s an interview with a musician who continues to inspire millions.

Jeff Kaliss - September 24, 2015

The baritone talks about Sweeney Todd and his upcoming roles in Lucia di Lammermoor and two operas based on Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

Mark MacNamara - August 26, 2015

Louisville Symphony Music Director (and MTT protege) talks about the themes and ideas behind the documentary of his first year in the post.

Jeff Kaliss - June 30, 2015

The celebrated singer talks about singing with a full orchestra for the first time in her career.

Lisa Houston - June 24, 2015

The soprano talks about her hectic schedule and transforming for different roles.

Lara Downes - June 16, 2015

The pianist, in concert with the S.F. Symphony this week, talks about his own Beethoven projects, courage and risk-taking in performance, sharing music as an educator, and more.

Lisa Houston - May 26, 2015

SFCV talks with the New Orleans native about S.F. Opera’s upcoming production of Les Troyens, the challenges of keeping his voice in shape, and the most heroic thing he has ever done.

Lara Downes - May 7, 2015

The pianist, who plays SFJAZZ next Tuesday, talks about learning, letting go of his compositions and dividing his time between his many hobbies.

Niels Swinkels - April 22, 2015

The conductor talks about his life-long admiration for the composer and his role in the early music revival.

Jeff Kaliss - April 20, 2015

The Russian-born conductor talks with SFCV about working across different cultures.