Reviews

Jon Mendle has already made a name for himself in guitarist circles. His first solo recording makes an exhilarating sweep through the music of J.S. Bach’s friends and sons.

Merce Cunningham requested that his dance company disband after his death. On their final appearance at Stanford Lively Arts, the troupe performs his last work beautifully.

One of America’s best early-music ensembles combines forces with a sterling but hard-to-watch countertenor.

Terrifically satisfying performances highlight a disc that captures 23 art songs by Samuel Barber.

Holding nothing back in cast strength and performance quality, West Edge Opera mounts an admirable production of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos.

The ravishing Beijing-born classical guitarist plays the Spanish classics, tosses off some Bach and Chopin, and swings with works by Brazilian composers.

The Alaskan mezzo, backed by Philharmonia Baroque, launches brilliant vocal fireworks that burst into full bloom.

With Xerxes the S.F. Opera could not have assembled a finer cast, nor chosen a more consistently delightful production for one of Handel’s masterpieces.

A smartly laid out program of violin works, old and new, dexterously conveyed emotion while it purveyed lofty musical ideas.

The Berkeley Symphony, in its third season under Joana Carneiro, continues to celebrate young talent in a concert that was a victory for composer, performers, and audience.