Reviews

The S.F. Opera production of Tales of Hoffmann astounds on many levels: the production, stellar cast, and direction combine for the most imaginative, creative, and energetic versions you're likely to ever see. 

The Left Coast Chamber Ensemble consistently presents innovative, tasteful, and well-played programs, as witness its latest effort of music both old and new.

Eric Kujawsky's Redwood Symphony does full justice to the rich Sondheim score of Sweeney Todd at Cañada College's sprawling Main Theater.

Guest conductor Juraj Valčuha led the San Francisco Symphony burnished performances, with several standout solo performances serving as highlights.

This satisfying recording of Beethoven's Ninth is a masterwork of music, and a pleasing memento of what today’s San Francisco Symphony sounds like in concert.

In a centennial rite, Rite of Spring gets yet another recording, this time by Simon Rattle with his Berlin Philharmonic.

Philip Glass’ score for La Belle et la bête was a missed opportunity for retouching, though San Francisco Performances’ production was well-done.

Hats off to West Bay Opera, whose co-production with Festival Opera of Verdi’s masterpiece Otello won over virtually all who saw it on opening night.

Russian composer Lera Auerbach's new string symphony, Memoria de la Luz (“Memory of the Light”), is transformative — a don't miss experience, as indicated in its premiere by NCCO.

Music@Menlo's latest release is a luscious grab-bag of chamber music, much of it unfamiliar, nearly all of it performed as well as you're ever likely to hear it.