Artist Spotlights

S.F.–based musician Pamela Z has been getting rave reviews for her musical wizardry for decades. Yet, exactly what she does is hard to pigeonhole and becomes more hyphenated with time. She talks with SFCV about her upcoming series, art, and experimenting with everything from music to food.

Singer/songwriter Randy Newman, who just garnered an Oscar for his Toy Story 3 song, weighs in on his latest work, in advance of his April 22 appearance at the San Francisco Jazz Festival.

Noah Bendix-Balgley, a 26-year-old violinist who combines a blossoming career in classical music with a love for Jewish music and klezmer, has over the years has become in effect become the youngest keeper of a grand tradition. He spoke with SFCV about his upcoming performance at the Jewish Music Festival and what led him to this genre.

Regina Carter, who achieved notoriety, and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, as a jazz violinist, spoke with SFCV prior to her presentation of a premiere by composer Billy Childs.

For over 25 years, Shirley Verrett reigned as a leading diva of the international operatic stage. On the occasion of Black History Month, SFCV publishes major portions of the interview with Verrett, who died last year.  

Violinist Hilary Hahn catapulted into the international spotlight as a teenager, when the uncommon maturity of her debut recording shot it to the top of the charts. Now all grown up at 31, she returns to Herbst Theatre on Feb. 19.

If you’re looking for an inspiring Valentine’s Day gift, why not consider a ticket from Cal Performances? Pinchas Zukerman, one of today’s most inspiring and internationally recognized violinists is coming to Berkeley.

Music Director and Conductor Bruno Ferrandis talks with SFCV about the upcoming tour for the Santa Rosa Symphony in Vienna and the difference between the music in isolation in Europe and the intensity of the American symphony sphere.

The young violinist Ray Chen has made a global footprint that’s only getting larger, and he has the skills of a truly musical interpreter. In advance of his performance with S.F. Symphony for its Chinese New Year concert, he talks with SFCV.

Just as Pianist Simone Dinnerstein’s second all-Bach recording, Bach: A Strange Beauty, becomes available worldwide, Dinnerstein is setting out to explore new territory. She and singer-songwriter Tift Merritt will appear at Yoshi’s S.F. in an unusual musical collaboration titled "Night." SFCV caught up with Dinnerstein by phone.