Features

Music, history, and vision meet in a Gold Coast Chamber Players concert with bass-baritone Lawrence Beamen that inaugurates Lafayette’s Black History Month.

The famed, El Cerrito–based Arhoolie Records turns 50 years old this year, an anniversary that is being celebrated by an enormous roster of fans and artists at Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in early February. Founder Chris Strachwitz recalls the label’s early days; Taj Mahal and Linda Ronstadt celebrate its triumphs.

San Francisco Classical Voice announces the appointment of John Robinson as Executive Director.

The Music Together program fosters love of music in very young children (and their parents), and even helps them develop important musical skills.

On Sunday, January 16, San Francisco Classical Voice's video team captured the BAYOF Hope concert and event as it happened. Here is an inside look at the event, which we think captures its raucous energy as well as the amazing self-possession of the very young participants.

Six youth orchestras, 575 players, six charities, one incredible event: the BAYOF Hope festival returns to Davies Symphony Hall.

Watch excerpts from the individual performances by youth orchestras participating in the BAYOF Hope concert on January 16th, 2011 at Davies Symphony Hall.

It sounds like the same old story: Budget cuts have forced reductions in the Mount Diablo Unified School District’s music program. But it may not happen that way. Meet the determined parents, students, and teachers who are working to write a different ending to the script.

SFCV asked composer Matthew Cmiel, who came of age in the “aughts,” to write about what the musical revolution caused by music sharing and “handheld computer devices” means to him. Here is his response, along with an annotated playlist.