Reviews

Steven Winn - December 13, 2025

In its 26th year, American Bach’s performance of Handel’s beloved oratorio is still fresh and urgent.

Richard S. Ginell - December 9, 2025

Marston Records releases the only complete recording of Kristen Flagstad and Lauritz Melchior in Parsifal.

Lisa Hirsch - December 9, 2025

The adventurous chorus took on a program of unusual Christmas works and came up with some big winners.

Michael Zwiebach - December 8, 2025

Caroline Shaw’s The Holdfast shines in a concert that blends Baroque tradition with striking new choral works.

Steven Winn - December 7, 2025

Helgi Tomasson’s inspired staging of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is back, brilliantly danced by the SF Ballet.

Jessica Zimmer - December 5, 2025

This is the first multi-date film screening series that Festival Napa Valley and Cameo Cinema have collaboratively organized.

Jim Farber - December 3, 2025

Maxim Derevianko created a documentary on the 2022 production. The film is being screened for Academy Award and Guild members.

Rebecca Wishnia - December 3, 2025

Although the score to the live-action film isn’t particularly symphonic, Davies Hall sparkled on Nov. 28.

Jason Victor Serinus - December 2, 2025

The co-production received a live recording, which gloriously documents the work.

Charles Burns - December 2, 2025

The American composer and singer delivers a miniature opera that audaciously synthesizes hyperpop, choral power, and capitalist critique.