Steven Winn

Conductor Tianyi Lu made her debut with the SF Symphony, but violinist Maria Dueñas stole the show.

The music director designate led a fluid and fierce program on June 5. The evening felt celebratory, emotional, and full of promise.

As sunny and funny as ever, SF Opera’s revival of its popular 2013 production is musically middling.

The conductor led a fervent performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and Ibert’s Flute Concerto with soloist Yubeen Kim.

Her overstuffed Cal Performances concert was upbeat to a fault, though it included a few introspective moments.

Alonzo King’s brilliant new work about heritage is complemented by Ode to Alice Coltrane, a tribute to a jazz great.

In the latest revival of Helgi Tomasson’s 1987 staging, Alban Lendorf gives a distinguished lift to a landmark work of ballet history.

The eclectic quartet played Shaw’s alluring melodies and tight harmonies with verve. Everyone had an engrossing, high time.   

Presented by SF Performances, Anthony McGill’s April 3 recital was marked by seamless passagework and sensitive dynamics.

In an afternoon that demonstrated the unpredictable allure of live music, the pianist and cellist proved their continued status as esteemed professionals.