Janos Gereben

Pacific Musical Society annual fund-raising gala on Dec. 2, in the Westin St. Francis Hotel, will honor composer Jake Heggie. The 102-year-old Society's gala will present a program of Heggie songs performed by Frederica von Stade and Nicolle Foland, with Heggie at the piano. Arias and duets by Dvořák, Mozart, and Offenbach follow.

Although Frederica von Stade has given farewell appearances, she is active as ever — just rarely

Apropos of President Obama's visit to Burma/Myanmar and the Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader Aung San

A memorial service in honor of Susan Rose, community leader and important supporter of the arts in Alameda County, will be held at 3 p.m., Nov.

Jim Meredith's Sonos Handbell Ensemble