Jim Farber

Jim Farber wrote his first classical music review in 1982 for the Los Angeles Jewish Journal. Since then, he has been a feature writer and critic of classical music, opera, theater, and fine art for Daily Variety, the Copley Newspapers and News Service, and the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (Media News).

Articles By This Author

Bryce_Dessner_header1.png
Artist Spotlight

Robert Mapplethorpe Inspires Bryce Dessner’s New Multimedia Opera

Jim Farber - February 26, 2019

The composer/guitarist’s Triptych (Eyes of One on Another) premieres with the LA Phil’s New Music Group.

theloser40_p.jpg
Review

L.A. Opera’s the loser Is a Winner

Jim Farber - February 25, 2019

Rod Gilfry takes an astonishing solo turn in the West Coast premiere of David Lang’s new opera.

LAMC_Sacred_Veil_7.jpeg
Review

’Til Death Do Us Part

Jim Farber - February 19, 2019

The L.A. Master Chorale parts The Sacred Veil.

Tan_Dun_Header.jpg
Review

Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion Is an Opera in Waiting

Jim Farber - February 12, 2019

The composer’s newest synthesis of East and West needs a visual component and some cutting.

Rod_Gilfry_loser_header.jpg
Artist Spotlight

Rod Gilfry’s No Loser

Jim Farber - February 7, 2019

He just plays one in David Lang’s opera.

Four_Larks_header2.jpg
Review

Katabasis Offers a Descent to the Classical Greek Underworld

Jim Farber - January 28, 2019

It’s one helluva musical journey at the Getty Villa.

Feature

L.A. Opera’s 2019-20: Six New-to-L.A. Productions

Jim Farber - January 27, 2019

A world premiere, a role debut for Plácido Domingo, and a little bit of Hollywood.

Feature

Charlie Chaplin Gets Another Assist in Realizing His Musical Dreams

Jim Farber - January 25, 2019

Russian violinist Philippe Quint revives the music of Charlie Chaplin.

SusannaMalkkiheader1.jpg
Review

Mälkki and the LA Phil Scale the Heights of Messiaen’s Turangalîla

Jim Farber - January 21, 2019

The massive symphony, with soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, was set off by Kaija Saariaho’s precise Trans.

Nadia_Sirota_112.JPG
Review

Here’s Nadia

Jim Farber - January 15, 2019

Violinist Nadia Sirota hosts the first Living Music LIVE! program, a live podcast on stage in Los Angeles.