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    Jessica Balik

    Jessica Balik is a flutist and has a PhD in historical musicology from Stanford University.

    Articles by this Author

    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    June 13, 2017
    Susanna Mälkki Conducts a Masterful Rite of Spring
    BY Jessica Balik

    The audience jumps to its feet for S.F. Symphony’s performance of a work that once inspired a riot.

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    Chamber Music Review
    May 23, 2017
    Andy Akiho’s Lost on Chiaroscuro Street Shines Brightly at Menlo
    BY Jessica Balik

    The Sitkovetsky Trio and David Shifrin deliver an emotionally complex, vibrant program.

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    Choral Review
    May 16, 2017
    Giving Voice to Stockhausen’s Stimmung
    BY Jessica Balik

    It’s not easy to produce a good performance of Stockhausen’s tricky, modernist masterpiece, but credit to Voices of Silicon Valley for trying.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    May 8, 2017
    Berkeley Symphony Delivers a Somber But Uplifting “Babi Yar”
    BY Jessica Balik

    Bass Denis Sedov and the Bay Area Men’s Chorus collaborate in Shostakovich’s masterful setting of Yevgeny Yevtushenko’s Holocaust epic.

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    Chamber Music Review
    May 2, 2017
    Spaced Out and Loving It With the Friction Quartet
    BY Jessica Balik

    The intrepid ensemble explores the fringes of music and the universe with a world premiere and three recent compositions.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    April 4, 2017
    Fabio Luisi and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra Are a Vital Partnership
    BY Jessica Balik

    Along with soprano Deborah Voigt, Luisi and the DNSO are on the same wavelength, making music passionately.

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    Chamber Music Review
    March 28, 2017
    Emerson Quartet Explores the Cusp of Modernity
    BY Jessica Balik

    The peerless ensemble illuminates quartets of Ravel, Berg, and Debussy.

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    Chamber Music Review
    March 21, 2017
    This Evening in Paris Is Sublime
    BY Jessica Balik

    An inspired collaboration between the New Century Chamber Orchestra and Chanticleer features Franco-American themes.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    February 21, 2017
    Oppositions Spark Timeless Music in John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary
    BY Jessica Balik

    S.F. Symphony delivers the imposing oratorio in a fitting celebration of the composer’s 70th birthday.

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    Modern Classical Review
    January 24, 2017
    The International Contemporary Ensemble Goes Multilingual
    BY Jessica Balik

    A linguistic theme permeated great performances highlighting the work of two Stanford faculty composers.

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    Chamber Music Review
    December 8, 2016
    Nikki Einfeld and Loren Mach Shine in “Brilliant Palette”
    BY Jessica Balik

    The soprano and percussionist add spice to the mix as Left Coast Chamber Ensemble’s newest members.

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    Modern Classical Review
    May 17, 2016
    John Harbison’s Expansive, Playful Music Celebrated at chamber/text
    BY Jessica Balik

    A great American composer shows his variety in a well-balanced, entertaining performance at chamber/text, the free concert series.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    February 29, 2016
    Elevate Ensemble and the Return of the Harpsichord
    BY Jessica Balik

    Harpsichordist Derek Tam joined the group in three pieces all composed in 2016.

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    Chamber Music Review
    February 16, 2016
    eighth blackbird’s Valentine to New Music Lovers
    BY Jessica Balik

    The ensemble pulled together a diverse group of pieces for its program at Berkeley’s Hertz Hall.

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    Modern Classical Review
    November 10, 2015
    The San Francisco Wind Ensemble Goes to School
    BY Jessica Balik

    The ensemble joined students from Aragon High School in the West Coast premiere of Thomas Trachsel’s The Apocalyptic.

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    Modern Classical Review
    February 24, 2015
    Music Exploring the Human Condition Animates Project TenFourteen
    BY Jessica Balik

    In the third installment of a year-long project, the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players offered two excellent premieres inspired by death and loss.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    January 22, 2015
    Of Pianolas and Devils: Adams and Stravinsky at SF Symphony
    BY Jessica Balik

    A star-studded week wrapped up as John Adams conducted his Grand Pianola Music and Malcolm MacDowell and Elvis Costello headlined A Soldier's Tale.

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    Recital Review
    December 8, 2014
    ZOFO Duet Introduces Bolcom Premiere in SFSU Recital
    BY Jessica Balik

    A ZOFO duo recital includes dazzling musicianship and a bit of flair and theatricality, too.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    November 8, 2014
    Brubeck & Saint-James’ Brothers in Arts
    BY Jessica Balik

    Interesting programming and a live performance of Chris Brubeck and Guillaume Saint-James’ Brothers in Arts herald an interesting season for the Oakland East Bay Symphony.

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    Chamber Music Review
    October 27, 2014
    Ensemble SF: A New Generation of Passion
    BY Jessica Balik

    A hip and welcoming nine-member ensemble presents a range of eminently listenable works, beautifully played.

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