Reviews

As far as galas go, the one at Ballet San Jose welcoming the new Artistic Director spoke well for the company’s future.

Its the opera-friendly acoustic of the California Theatre, OSJ's Hansel and Gretel overflows with musical and visual delights, everyone inhabits their role so completely, and with so much relish, that the opera’s smile-filled ending is assured from the very start. 

Porgy and Bess at the Golden Gate Theatre is outstanding on every count — musically, dramatically, and especially by the strength of performances from a cast without a weak link.

San Francisco Opera’s new production of Barber of Seville is a winner from top to bottom.

Joyce Yang joins the Alexander String Quartet in a commanding, passionate recital at Kohl Mansion.

It doesn’t get much better than hearing Michael Tilson Thomas’s S.F. Symphony play a Copland masterpiece, not to mention other works being prepped for a brief tour.

Masterworks Chorale made a stunning success of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, with the choir leading the way.

The Sixth International Body Music Festival moved its sonic rhythm party from Oakland to S.F., as its energetic performers tapped, swished, and Velcroed their way across a SFJAZZ Center stage to an enthusiastic audience.

Oakland East Bay Symphony, with Canadian soprano Othalie Graham, gave a stirring account of Wagner’s Immolation Scene, in a season opener that aimed high.

Taking its inspiration from Italian Baroque music published in London, the string band Archetti serves up balanced, intriguing fare.