Classical Music Reviews

Every week, our professional critics attend concerts throughout the Bay Area to let you know what went well...and occasionally what didn't. Let their insights enrich your musical experiences, and feel free to share your own views!

Opera Review
August 20, 2019
Pacific Opera Project’s Mikado Is All Over the Place
BY Jim Farber

This Japan-England-America mashup will be very welcome to opera fans.

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Opera Review
August 20, 2019
Sante Fe Opera’s Unruly Thirteenth Child
BY Lisa Hirsch

A new opera from Poul Ruders reimagines a Grimm fairy tale.

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Opera Review
August 19, 2019
West Edge Opera’s Threepenny Opera Is on the Edge
BY Jeff Kaliss

Well-sung renditions of Kurt Weill’s songs are highlights of this production.

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Choral Review
August 19, 2019
SF Choral Society Premieres David Lang’s Thoughtful teach your children
BY Tysen Dauer

Ensemble of the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir earns the limelight.

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Opera Review
August 19, 2019
Merola 2019 Bids Farewell With Grand Finale
BY Janos Gereben

Nuanced power characterizes the expert renditions of challenging works by these accomplished Merolini.

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Jazz Review
August 17, 2019
Lee Ritenour and Ivan Lins Kick Off Jazz at the Bowl for Real
BY Richard S. Ginell

It was a Brazilian love affair for a night filled with tributes and reunions of old pros.

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Jazz Review
August 13, 2019
The Many Faces of Summer Fest
BY Andrew Gilbert

Just dipping a toe in the musical waters of the San José jazz celebration is a full-immersion experience.

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Modern Classical Review
August 13, 2019
As a Classical Composer, Wynton Marsalis Contains Multitudes
BY David Bratman

The jazz trumpeter’s violin concerto starring Nicola Benedetti reveals a surfeit of ideas.

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Opera Review
August 13, 2019
Letter from Seattle: A Raw, Impactful Rigoletto
BY Jason Victor Serinus

An updated production draws clear parallels between the opera’s action and recent politics.

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Modern Classical Review
August 12, 2019
Tan Dun’s Secret Songs Get an Airing at Cabrillo Festival
BY Lisa Hirsch

The composer’s work, based on a women’s vocal tradition of Hunan Province, dominates the festival’s Saturday concert.

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