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 - February 6, 2022

Lots of firsts for the company as Lina González-Granados takes up the baton, the banjo makes an appearance, and an opera for babies debuts.

Tom Jacobs - January 29, 2022

The acclaimed mezzo’s new CD debuts 17 new songs written for her during the pandemic.

Tom Jacobs - January 15, 2022

The revered Hollywood Bowl conductor talks about bringing the jazz legend’s symphonic works into the canon, and reveals the challenges of “COVID conducting.”

Tom Jacobs - December 14, 2021

The American Modern Opera Company takes on the music (and more) directorship for the June festival.

Tom Jacobs - November 2, 2021

For the major symphony and opera organizations, supplementing live performances with online offerings is the way of the future.

Tom Jacobs - October 26, 2021

Innovative new works, premieres, and a greater emphasis on opera and musical theater energize The Broad Stage’s winter and spring roster of 28 shows.

Tom Jacobs - October 12, 2021

The superstar soprano will both perform and lead discussions on music and health.

Tom Jacobs - September 28, 2021

Three new positions deliver on an earlier promise to shake up leadership at the orchestra.

Tom Jacobs - September 20, 2021

The new-music fest celebrates its 10th anniversary online with seven concerts featuring fresh compositions and Hear Now’s first commission.

Tom Jacobs - September 13, 2021

The composer speaks about the music he’s chosen for the festival weekend — mostly other composers’ works.