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 Music Review
    August 22, 2017
    Bouncing Between Baroque and Contemporary at Music in the Vineyards
    BY Steve Osborn

    New music and old mixed together in a concert that showed how a balanced playlist can refresh the ears.

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    Modern Classical Review
    August 15, 2017
    Cabrillo Festival Closes With a Bang
    BY Jessica Balik

    The vibrant program showcased brilliant new compositions and outstanding musicianship.

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    Opera Review
    August 15, 2017
    Frankenstein is D.O.A. at West Edge Opera
    BY Joe Cadagin

    Libby Larsen’s operatic adaptation of Shelley is less than riveting in a confusing production.

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    Early Music/Baroque Review
    August 14, 2017
    American Bach Gives Purcell's King Arthur the Royal Treatment
    BY Steven Winn

    A.B.S. Academy participants show their stuff in an assured performance.

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    Opera Review
    August 8, 2017
    A Rare Delight From Mozart’s Vienna Debuts at West Edge Opera
    BY Michael Zwiebach

    Martín y Soler’s jaunty farce makes an un-edgy interlude in West Edge Opera’s festival season.

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    Festival Review
    August 7, 2017
    Mačelaru Makes Smooth Transition at Cabrillo Festival
    BY Lisa Hirsch

    No disruption here: Music Director Cristian Mačelaru first concerts at Cabrillo have a familiar vibe.

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    Opera Review
    August 7, 2017
    Edward Nelson Commands West Edge Opera’s Hamlet
    BY Steven Winn

    Stellar performances outshine ungainly production choices and the limitations of the opera itself.

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    Festival Review
    August 7, 2017
    Percussion Concerto Opens Cabrillo Festival With Crickets (Not a Bang)
    BY Joe Cadagin

    In a concert featuring a wide range of subjects and inspiration, the older works fared best.

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    Opera Review
    August 5, 2017
    Merolini Have a Ball With La Cenerentola
    BY Steven Winn

    Stellar ensemble work and strong vocal performances make magic with Rossini’s fairy tale.

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    Chamber Music Review
    August 5, 2017
    The Great Fritz Kreisler Receives His Due at Menlo Festival
    BY David Bratman

    In a concert ostensibly about expressionism, the surprise was Kreisler’s 1919 string quartet.

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