Artist Spotlights

Garrick Ohlsson talks about performing as a musician from the West, dining out in San Francisco, performance rituals, and reviews.

Jeffrey Thomas is preparing American Bach Soloists for their two performances of Handel’s Messiah at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral this weekend. He is also writing a book on Handel’s masterpiece, leading the ABS into new educational territories (including a summer training program), and finding time to create the occasional chilled-avocado and seafood soup.

Canadian-born pianist Marc-André Hamelin is recognized as one of the top talents in the concert hall today. He’s a champion of both undiscovered and standard piano repertoire, he’s prolific in the recording studio, and he’ll see his first published composition released next fall.

Joana Carneiro, the music director of the Berkeley Symphony, has established herself as a conductor at the relatively young age of 33.

Renée Fleming is one of the opera world’s most recognizable divas. Blessed with gorgeous good looks and a golden voice, the Pennsylvania-born soprano started her career in Mozart roles and soon moved on to her favorite composer, Richard Strauss.

William Bolcom has always made his own way. Throughout his career, which has produced symphonies, operas, chamber pieces, and piano and vocal works, the Seattle-born, Michigan-based composer has often rejected the prevailing notions of what “serious” music should include. 

When mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato made her San Francisco Opera debut in 2003, as Rosina in The Barber of Seville, it was immediately apparent that audiences were hearing an artist of extravagant vocal gifts.