Choral

For its first big concert, the newly-established Young Womens’ Choral Projects starts off with some fancy rhythms from Gershwin, leading to a whole set of Latin American polyrhythms, American spirituals, and other traditional tunes. 

Portland-based Capella Romana is a world-class male vocal group specializing in Greek Orthodox and Slavic church music. If that’s outside your normal sphere of activity, you have a good reason to hear this group.

Last year’s performance of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion by the American Bach Soloists was predictably one of the highlights of the spring season.

Chanticleer, one of the more celebrated professional choirs in the country resides right here in the Bay Area, and its holiday concert features spectacularly sung, beautifully arranged carols and is a perennial favorite.

Among the better holiday concerts: SingersMarin's “‘Tis the Season… Silver Bells, Dreidels, and More.”

California Bach Society takes listeners on an enjoyable cruise through Dutch Christmas traditions.

Magen Solomon’s San Francisco Choral Artists, having justreceived a favorable review in Fanfare for their recent With Strings Attached CD, should makeanyone’s shortlist of choral concerts to attend.

A good community choir singing masterworks of Renaissance polyphony gets a passing grade and an A+ for effort.

The Takacs String Quartet has long been among the elite of the elite, consistently cited as one of the top quartets in the world.

Bach's B-Minor Mass is for choral groups a little like a full marathon — you have to build up to it. And when you finally have mastered all the necessities for a successful presentation of the piece, you still need five good soloists and a strong orchestra.