Tom Jacobs

Tom Jacobs is a former senior staff writer for Santa Barbara-based Pacific Standard magazine, and a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Daily News and Santa Barbara News-Press. He tracks and analyzes trends in the arts and social sciences, with an emphasis on psychology, the role of culture and the cultivation of creativity. A native of Chicago, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University.

Articles By This Author

Tom Jacobs - October 28, 2024

When he steps down at the end of the 2024–2025 season, Chalifour will have set a record tenure with the orchestra.

Tom Jacobs - October 28, 2024

The New West Symphony’s music director chats about his programming ethos and working with composer Mason Bates.

Tom Jacobs - October 14, 2024

Okpebholo, in demand in the Bay Area this season, talks about finding inspiration in social issues and other art forms.

Tom Jacobs - October 7, 2024

The organization is launching a Substack about music and astrology and also plans to release more archival recordings.

Tom Jacobs - September 25, 2024

Soprano Julia Bullock and American Modern Opera Company stage a new production of Olivier Messiaen’s gut-wrenching song cycle Harawi.

Tom Jacobs - September 9, 2024

World-class artists associated with the school, from Esa-Pekka Salonen to the Calidore String Quartet, are set to take the stage as well.

Tom Jacobs - August 21, 2024

The convocation of pianists is devoting time to Gabriel Fauré on the centenary of the composer’s death.

Tom Jacobs - August 13, 2024

Known for his amiable, collaborative manner on the podium, Robertson is a favorite colleague of composers and orchestral players worldwide.

Tom Jacobs - July 16, 2024

The 2024–2025 class of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program is a diverse and talented group.

Tom Jacobs - July 9, 2024

Symphonies large and small from across the state are convening in San Francisco for the three-day event.