Lisa Hirsch

Berlioz’s grandest of grand operas makes it to the War Memorial Opera House in a production that scores points on every level.

A new chamber opera by Tarik O'Regan shows the continuing power of Conrad's story, despite some flaws.

Benjamin Britten's Curlew River, a comparative rarity in that composer's catalog, presented by Cal Performances, offered two performances of an acclaimed production that originated in London and is now touring the United States.

The Hagen Quartet of Austria plays a program of Mozart, Shostakovich, and Brahms in a performance presented by San Francisco Performances.

Colorful and imaginative orchestral works dominate at a concert in which the younger composers outshine the elder master Philip Glass.

In the opera Mary Magdalene, a fine quartet of leading singers and excellent musical leadership is held back by the libretto, staging, and score.

Cellist Matt Haimovitz suits the age-of-anxiety mood of Philip Glass’ cello concerto, based on his movie score and recently expanded to concerto dimensions.

The San Francisco Symphony memorializes one of its great members, oboist William Bennett, with a moving concert of Bruckner and Mozart.

In a program apparently designed to show off the glorious Symphony Chorus, this week's Poulenc and Berlioz extravaganza, led in masterly fashion by guest conductor Charles Dutoit, is a majestic occasion.

The Alexander String Quartet celebrates two giants of chamber music, doing more than justice to Benjamin Britten’s centennial, not to mention Béla Bartók.