Harvey Steiman

Innocence, Kaija Saariaho’s masterpiece, packs a wallop in its U.S. premiere in San Francisco

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United StatesUnited States Saariaho, Innocence: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of San Francisco Opera / Clément Mao-Takacs (conductor). War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, 1.6.2024. (HS)

Rotating set for a wedding venue and the scene of a school shooting © Corey Weaver/SFO

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Set in the silent movie era, The Magic Flute delivers pluses and minuses in San Francisco

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United StatesUnited States Mozart, The Magic Flute: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of San Francisco Opera / Eun Sun Kim (conductor). War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, 30.5.2024. (HS)

Lauri Vasar (Papageno) made mute by the Ladies removing his lips and teeth © Corey Weaver/SFO

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In Berkeley: countertenor Orliński’s dramatic singing and Pomo d’Oro’s vivid playing lifts the recital form

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United StatesUnited States Various, ‘Beyond’: Jakub Józef Orliński (countertenor), Il Pomo d’Oro. Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, 9.4.2024. (HS)

Jakub Józef Orliński and Il Pomo d’Oro (previously in Warsaw) © Grzesiek Mart

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Lively casts and timely reflections mark the premiere of this sports opera double bill in San Francisco

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United StatesUnited States ‘Birds & Balls’: Soloists, Orchestra of Opera Parallèle / Nicole Paiement (conductor). SFJAZZ Miner Auditorium, San Francisco, 5.4.2024. (HS)

Nikola Printz (Billie Jean King) and Nathan Granner (Bobby Riggs) in an operatic reenactment of their 1973 match © Kristen Loken

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