The Essential Series

Richard S. Ginell - March 28, 2022

Our selection of outstanding gems from the composer’s endlessly evolving career.

Jason Victor Serinus - February 24, 2022

The great American soprano turned 95 in February. Here’s where to start with her storied decades of recording.

Michael Zwiebach - February 1, 2022

What to explore first in the great pianist’s recordings.

Michael Zwiebach - January 4, 2022

The group’s revolutionary impact is still reverberating, but more than that, they’re popular for playing contemporary music.

Paul Kotapish - December 21, 2021

The pioneering mandolinist reshaped the landscape of the acoustic-music world. Here’s an introduction to his vast catalog.

Richard S. Ginell - November 29, 2021

SF Symphony’s longtime leader built a career championing great music deserving a bigger audience. Here’s our sampler of MTT’s fascinating discography.

Ken Iisaka - November 8, 2021

One of the greatest pianists of our time turned 80 this year and is still going strong.

Michael Zwiebach - September 8, 2021

In her long conducting career, Alsop has often been first, but she’s also a standout recording star.

Emily Wilson - August 16, 2021

An introduction to some of the very best from the brilliant cellist’s prolific recording career.

Paul Kotapish - August 3, 2021

From bluegrass to Bach to his own bottomless fount of originals, the mandolin virtuoso does it all.