Reviews

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.

One of last century’s most powerful works of sacred music, which is virtually unknown: Lou Harrison’s La Koro Sutro, was performed in Berkeley.

The current West Bay Opera production of Aida channels the work's essence, and does well by the inner Verdi thanks to the orchestra, guest conductor, and a small but ambitious set of players.

The Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä returns to the S.F. Symphony with violinist Hilary Hahn, and the results with the orchestra are, once again, exemplary.

Famed male vocal ensemble Chanticleer remains in top form under an interim music director, if not recorded in its full splendor on this new CD.