Reviews

San Francisco symphonic music lovers have a deep affection for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the feeling must be mutual. Last weekend, the orchestra and Charles Dutoit presented crowd-pleasers.

The Ojai North festival began with an outdoor hour of exquisitely graduated, nature-inspired sounds; John Luther Adams' Inuksuit arranged by Steven Schick.

Jordi Savall explores the common musical threads between the Islamic Middle East and Europe, putting his extraordinary musical understanding in the service of sanity and humanity.

Strongly cast, beautifully played and produced, the opening performance affirmed Nixon in China's standing as a musical and theatrical masterpiece and one of the great operas of the 20th century.

A couple of wildcard pieces brighten two new CDs by the Knights and the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, which let the music (not the theme) rule.

Berkeley Festival steps out brightly with crafty Scottish songs and post-Baroque works for piano trio.

Yet again, the vocal ensemble Chanticleer stylishly pulls rabbits out of a Mexican hat.

Symphony Silicon Valley is in fine fettle under guest conductor William Boughton, with Ning An as the fine piano soloist.

The L.A. Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel premiere of The Gospel According to the Other Mary displays a challenging yet brilliant creation by John Adams to great effect.

Alison Balsom’s latest compilation of her trumpet selections offers some tried-and-true along with several new pieces for her, all played in her distinctive manner.