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
    October 17, 2017
    Exquisite Musicianship Marks Jakub Hrůša’s SFS Debut
    BY Niels Swinkels

    Together with pianist Piotr Andreszewski and the S.F. Symphony, the Czech conductor honored the premise of the “Pursuit of Passion” program.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    October 17, 2017
    “Roll Sound: Action!”: The LA Phil Goes to the Movies
    BY Jim Farber

    In the second installment of the Ciudad de la Mexico Festival, Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Phil celebrate a “Noche de Cine.”

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    October 17, 2017
    Muti and Chicago Symphony Are Brilliant, Repeatedly
    BY Carlyn Kessler

    The rapport between conductor and orchestra leads to powerful but unfussy performances.

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    Opera Review
    October 17, 2017
    Plácido Domingo Commands the Stage and the Pit with the Los Angeles Opera
    BY Ilana Walder-Biesanz

    The legendary singer is only one reason to see these powerful Verdi and Bizet productions.

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    Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
    October 17, 2017
    Viva Mexico! Viva LA Phil!
    BY Jim Farber

    Gustavo Dudamel’s CDMX: Music from Mexico City enchants with big ideas and small details.

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    Opera Review
    October 17, 2017
    Passionate Music and Druidic Barbarity Emerge in West Bay Opera’s Norma
    BY Nicholas Jones

    Superb singing and playing transcend lackluster acting and staging in this challenging opera.

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    Chamber Music Review
    October 17, 2017
    The American Brass Quintet Blows the Roof Off Bing
    BY David Bratman

    The veteran ensemble champions new and vintage works for the modern brass quintet.

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    Chamber Music Review
    October 16, 2017
    Katinka Kleijn and Samuel Adams Reveal Nuanced, Nearly New Works
    BY Rebecca Wishnia

    The cellist and performer/composer collaborate in a fresh, wide-ranging program.

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    Chamber Music Review
    October 11, 2017
    Left Coast Chamber Ensemble Revives a Minor Master
    BY Giacomo Fiore

    Mieczyslaw Weinberg is having a moment of rediscovery. Is his music worth it?

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    Chamber Music Review
    October 10, 2017
    Elevate Ensemble Takes on the “Stravinsky Legacy”
    BY Joe Cadagin

    Stravinsky’s century-old piece still resonates with more power and urgency than the contemporary works it inspired.

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