Previews

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Preview

Clerestory's Favorite Things

Jason Victor Serinus - September 7, 2009
With a fraternal nod to Julie Andrews, the men of Clerestory are set to open their fall season with more than a few of their favorite things.
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Preview

Philharmonia Baroque Opens With “Apotheosis of the Dance”

Joseph Sargent - August 24, 2009

An aura of glamour seems to surround the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra these days. Its 2009-2010 season, auspiciously titled the “Season of Stars,” is tailor-made for the glitterati, with a lineup of celebrity guest artists that is exceptional even for this ensemble, including Susan Graham, Viktoria Mullova, and Jordi Savall.

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Preview

Dubowsky Ensemble Meets Its Meridian

Brian Gleeson - August 21, 2009
One of the great benefits of living in the Bay Area is the opportunity to tap into its vibrant new-music scene. This movable feast of experimental music seems to be fueled by an unending parade of gifted composers and performers who have spent their lives redefining musical boundaries.
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Preview

Quinteto Latino ChampioningMusic From South of the Border

Lisa Petrie - August 21, 2009
Patrons of chamber music presenters around the world are familiar with typical ensembles like the string quartet or the piano trio; not so much the woodwind quintet, which tends to be treated like a poor cousin.
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Preview

Bad Girl Sings in San José's Manon

Georgia Rowe - August 20, 2009
Opera San José, which closed out its 2008-2009 season with Bizet's Carmen, opens the 2009 fall season with another operatic bad girl: Manon. Jules Massenet’s 1884 opera opens Sept. 12 at the California Theatre.

The sociopolitical milieu of Manon’s 18th-century France lies, of course, a considerable distance from Carmen’s Seville.

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Preview

Les grâces:Early Music at St. Johns

Michael Zwiebach - August 19, 2009
Les grâces

Sure late summer can make for lean pickings in concerts. But there are a few good ones happening.

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Preview

Leaving With Love

Jason Victor Serinus - August 17, 2009
The time has come. After 13 years as music director of the Golden Gate Men’s Chorus (GGMC), Joseph Jennings has announced his retirement. Jennings’ farewell concert, which will showcase his ever-adventuresome choice of repertoire and his penchant for pushing his singers’ limits, comes on the heels of his departure as longtime music director of Chanticleer.
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Preview

Leading With Mahler

Heuwell Tircuit - August 17, 2009
Opening the San Francisco Symphony season with Mahler is a safe bet, especially with Michael Tilson Thomas’ passionate advocacy sure to be in force. Thus, his opening series — running September 16, 17, 19, and 20 — offers an all-Mahler program; and indeed, all September’s three weeks feature Mahler’s music.
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Preview

S.F. Opera Opening Weekend Bonanza

Janos Gereben - August 17, 2009
Sure, Nicola Luisotti — aka Mr. Excitement — is making his debut on Friday, Sept.
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Preview

Old Works for New Century

Joseph Sargent - August 17, 2009
To the uninitiated, the New Century Chamber Orchestra’s 2009-2010 opening concert set, titled “Pictures at an Exhibition: New Traditions,” might appear to emphasize the traditional over the new. At first glance, the lineup seems startlingly traditional, offering two works by J.S. Bach (the Chaconne from the Partita No.