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
July 15, 2019
Festival Opera Makes a Triumphant Return with Susannah
BY Nicholas Jones

Carlisle Floyd’s Appalachian-themed study of cultural hypocrisy and sexual violence is more timely than ever.

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Opera Review
July 15, 2019
Young Singers Offer Operatic Delights in Merola’s Schwabacher Summer Concert
BY Janos Gereben

A Strauss rarity is the surprise standout in a concert studded with great performances.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
July 15, 2019
Gemma New Shines In Debut With the SF Symphony
BY David Bratman

The refurbished Frost is a beautiful, if not perfect, venue for outdoor orchestral concerts.

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Musical Theater Review
July 8, 2019
SF Playhouse’s Cabaret Is a Musical Gem
BY Janos Gereben

Top-notch sound and production bring out the best in a solid cast of singers.

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Recital Review
July 2, 2019
Letter From Moscow: Tchaikovsky Competition Graced By Outstanding Finale
BY Ken Iisaka

Seven finalists competed for one of classical music’s most famous prizes.

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Jazz Review
July 2, 2019
The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra Keeps It Lively at the California Jazz Conservatory
BY Lily O'Brien

Notable guests join the hip big band as it premieres selections from a new CD.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
July 2, 2019
SF Symphony Conjures the Wonder of Childhood in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges
BY Joe Cadagin

The semistaged opera highlights the orchestra’s season finale.

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Recital Review
July 2, 2019
Exploring the Full Range of Richard Strauss’s Songs
BY Steven Winn

Soprano Heidi Moss Erickson and pianist John Parr track the arc of the composer’s songwriting through eight decades.

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Jazz Review
July 2, 2019
Terry Riley and George Brooks Offer You the World
BY Tysen Dauer

Indian and jazz influences permeate a sparkling, mostly improvised set by two musical conversationalists.

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Modern Classical Review
June 29, 2019
New-Music Ensemble Brightwork Steps Up Its Game
BY Richard S. Ginell

Russell Steinberg’s Rucksack traces an immigrant experience from an earlier era.

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