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!

    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    June 26, 2017
    Second Time Charm: Yuja Wang Dazzles in Santa Cruz
    BY Ken Iisaka

    The great pianist graced a Santa Cruz Symphony concert for the second time this year and the results were just as magical as the first.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    June 25, 2017
    Pulling Out the Stops for the Modern Age at S.F. Symphony
    BY Rebecca Wishnia

    Sometimes concert extras don’t add that much.

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    Modern Classical Review
    June 19, 2017
    At Ojai North, A History Opera Gets Bogged Down in Details
    BY Rebecca Wishnia

    George Lewis’s Afterword, an opera has an original premise, and some beautiful music, but there’s one big fly in the ointment.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    June 19, 2017
    Joshua Bell Smooths Symphonie Espagnole’s Rough Edges
    BY David Bratman

    Meanwhile, conductor Vasily Petrenko made a meal of Rachmaninoff’s First Symphony, leading the San Francisco Symphony’s weekend program.

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    Opera Review
    June 13, 2017
    Merola’s Own Celebrate Opera Program’s 60th Anniversary
    BY Janos Gereben

    A festive cavalcade of opera talent pitches in to fete the venerable training program.

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    Chamber Music Review
    June 13, 2017
    Looking Back for a Way Forward: Jeff Scott’s Passion for Bach and Coltrane
    BY Tysen Dauer

    A musical tribute to the great jazz saxophonist by way of J.S. Bach and poet A.B. Spellman

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    Chamber Music Review
    June 13, 2017
    Switchboard Festival Channels Musical Currents
    BY Rebecca Wishnia

    Strong new music performed by Splinter Reeds, Kronos Quartet, and Ramon & Jessica’s sextet highlight a solid program.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    June 13, 2017
    Susanna Mälkki Conducts a Masterful Rite of Spring
    BY Jessica Balik

    The audience jumps to its feet for S.F. Symphony’s performance of a work that once inspired a riot.

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    Opera Review
    June 13, 2017
    Busy La Bohème Gives Lots of Light, Too Little Heat
    BY Steven Winn

    S.F. Opera unveils a revival with spotty singing, less effective acting.

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    Opera Review
    June 6, 2017
    Mozart the Clear Winner at S.F. Opera Don Giovanni
    BY Janos Gereben

    The success of this summer “reboot” hinges on the music, not the production.

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