Reviews

Lisa Hirsch - August 12, 2025

With works by co-founder Lou Harrison and two premieres, “Becoming” created thoughtful joy for troubled times.

Richard S. Ginell - August 12, 2025

Gustavo Dudamel and Cho drew a capacity crowd for a concert connecting two musical giants.

David Bratman - August 11, 2025

The summer festival presented a selection of pieces for voice with instruments.

Michael Zwiebach - August 11, 2025

In a production that balances brutality with compassion, Alban Berg’s timeless story of cruelty and its effects makes for epic theater.

Melissa Hudson Bell - August 5, 2025

Five risk-taking dancer/ choreographers showcase works that grapple with personal suffering and political injustice.

Nicholas Jones - August 5, 2025

Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s 1688 opera David and Jonathan receives a splendid new reinterpretation that centers on an openly gay union.

David Bratman - August 4, 2025

Conductor Daniela Candillari led the festival orchestra in Missy Mazzoli's violin concerto, with Jennifer Koh as soloist, and works by Nina Shekhar and John Corigliano.

Michael Zwiebach - August 4, 2025

The opera about labor leader Dolores Huerta and the 1968 Delano Grape Strike is taut as a political thriller and musically transporting.

Rebecca Wishnia - August 4, 2025

SF Opera’s training program for young singers performed the comic opera on July 31.

Michael Zwiebach - July 29, 2025

Versailles Opera’s winning production of Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment is played for laughs without sacrificing its musical value.