Artist Spotlights

He directs a chamber group, teaches, and plays like mad, but mostly clarinetist David Shifrin worships Brahms.

The prizewinning pianist plays his favorite Brahms works at Music@Menlo. Here he reflects on touring and performing with his wife.

A member of the progressive string quartet amplifies the group’s mission, methods, and music.

The celebrated composer/singer/producer keeps alive his legacy of hits, and talks about how Hurricane Katrina made him change course.

The Dutch recorder virtuoso preps for a visit to the Bay Area, for a Baroque workshop with concerts and master classes.

The superb Wagnerian soprano talks about her early training, developing a big voice, and loving those bad-boy Siegfrieds.

The violist talks about her life touring with the Takács Quartet, teaching, and what she misses about playing with the San Francisco Symphony, which she did for three decades.

Stardom has come fast for young Yuja Wang, who is learning how to pace herself and seeking a mentor.

Concertmaster Laura Albers stakes out her space in the orchestra pit, then revs up to play Wagner’s long, intense operas.

Founder and violinist of the Kronos Quartet David Harrington talks with SFCV about ancient Chinese tunes and modern Chinese toys, and how a collaboration with pipa virtuoso Wu Man has helped the Kronos Quartet span cultures and time.