Steven Winnis a San Francisco-based writer and critic and frequent interviewer for City Arts & Lectures. His work has appeared in Gramophone, Musical America, Opera, Symphony, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Great exaltations ring out through Oakland's Paramount Theatre when the Oakland East Bay Symphony and Oakland Youth Orchestra ssemble for a performance of Berlioz’ stupendous Requiem.
The pulse of the West Edge Opera's Aroldo may have been a bit uneven, but there was no doubt that the opera is Verdi’s living, breathing, creation worthy of a live encounter.
The West Edge Opera's Caterina Cornaro proves to be an unjustly neglected lyric tragedy from the Donizetti’s late period, a rare presentation of the opera that merits a more sustained rediscovery.
In a joint presentation of a program seas apart, the New Century Chamber Orchestra and Chanticleer set out to explore the rich musical era between the two world wars.
The 5-year-old Hot Air Music Festival’s burgeoning abundance was evident in all the music on tap; old and young alike experiencing the unrivaled charge of new music heard live.
The American Bach Soloists, conducted with excellence by Jeffrey Thomas program works that demonstrate Bach's mastery of "parody" — making things old new again.
At the S.F. Symphony program staples are elevated — especially a concussive, ravishing, startling and altogether convincing Rachmaninov Rhapsody when performed by Daniil Trifonov.
Again showing its unity of purpose and overall grace, the American Bach Soloists perform a concert of rejoice and celebration, while praising seven of its longtime members.
In the first of two Cal Performances recitals, pianist Emmanuel Ax, with mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, gave a wide-ranging account of Brahms’ lieder, accompanied by two world premiere works.
