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Jim Farber

Jim Farber wrote his first classical music review in 1982 for the Los Angeles Jewish Journal. Since then, he has been a feature writer and critic of classical music, opera, theater, and fine art for The Daily Variety, the Copley Newspapers and News Service, and the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (Media News).

Articles by this Author

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

March 11, 2019

John Adams, Yuja Wang, and the LA Phil Give the Devil His Due

The premiere of Adams’s new piano concerto is devilish fun.

Opera Review

March 9, 2019

Mapplethorpe Reduced for a Post-Shock Era

Bryce Dessner’s Triptych homogenizes the legacy of Robert Mapplethorpe.

Opera Review

March 5, 2019

L.A. Opera Dazzles With a Revival of La Clemenza di Tito

James Conlon directs the company premiere of a Mozart masterpiece.

Artist Spotlight

Robert Mapplethorpe Inspires Bryce Dessner’s New Multimedia Opera

February 26, 2019

Robert Mapplethorpe Inspires Bryce Dessner’s New Multimedia Opera

The composer/guitarist’s Triptych (Eyes of One on Another) premieres with the LA Phil’s New Music Group.

Opera Review

February 26, 2019

L.A. Opera’s the loser Is a Winner

Rod Gilfry takes an astonishing solo turn in the West Coast premiere of David Lang’s new opera.

Choral Review

February 19, 2019

’Til Death Do Us Part

The L.A. Master Chorale parts The Sacred Veil.

Opera Review

February 12, 2019

Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion Is an Opera in Waiting

The composer’s newest synthesis of East and West needs a visual component and some cutting.

Artist Spotlight

Rod Gilfry’s No Loser

February 7, 2019

Rod Gilfry’s No Loser

He just plays one in David Lang’s opera.

Chamber Music Review

January 29, 2019

Katabasis Offers a Descent to the Classical Greek Underworld

It’s one helluva musical journey at the Getty Villa.

Feature Article

L.A. Opera’s 2019-20: Six New-to-L.A. Productions

January 27, 2019

L.A. Opera’s 2019-20: Six New-to-L.A. Productions

A world premiere, a role debut for Plácido Domingo, and a little bit of Hollywood.

Feature Article

Charlie Chaplin Gets Another Assist in Realizing His Musical Dreams

January 25, 2019

Charlie Chaplin Gets Another Assist in Realizing His Musical Dreams

Russian violinist Philippe Quint revives the music of Charlie Chaplin.

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

January 21, 2019

Mälkki and the LA Phil Scale the Heights of Messiaen’s Turangalîla

The massive symphony, with soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, was set off by Kaija Saariaho’s precise Trans.

Modern Classical Review

January 15, 2019

Violinist Nadia Sirota hosts the first Living Music LIVE! program, a live podcast on stage in Los Angeles.

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

January 15, 2019

Philip Glass’s New Symphony — We’ve Been Here Before

The composer’s third David Bowie homage falls flat.

Chamber Music Review

December 18, 2018

Monday Evening Concerts Breaks the Reich Barrier

The long running L.A. chamber series plays Music for 18 Musicians for the first time.

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

December 16, 2018

A Recovering Mehta Sparks the Old Magic with the LA Phil

Physically frail but alert as ever, the 82-year-old conducted a dashing all-Brahms concert.

Opera Review

December 4, 2018

Through a prism Darkly

A new opera by Ellen Reid and Roxie Perkins explores the lasting effects of sexual trauma.

Recital Review

November 30, 2018

Garlands for Steven Stucky

Pianist Gloria Cheng celebrates the late composer at Piano Spheres.

Chamber Music Review

November 20, 2018

Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra Showcases Women Composers

Young performers share the limelight with the eclectic ensemble’s regulars.

Opera Review

November 20, 2018

Hansel and Gretel Goes “Where the Wild Things Are”

Los Angeles Opera offers an alternative fairy tale for the holidays.

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