Harvey Steiman

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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Esa-Pekka Salonen’s distinctive Sibelius in the first SFS concert after announcing his 2025 departure

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United StatesUnited States Sibelius: Lisa Batiashvili (violin), San Francisco Symphony / Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 14.3.2024. (HS)

SFS librarian Margo Keiser presents Esa-Pekka Salonen with a bouquet from the musicians © Kristen Loken

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SF Symphony in 2024-25 and news about Esa-Pekka Salonen

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Esa-Pekka Salonen and San Francisco Symphony to part ways after one final season

Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen © Drew Altizer

Esa-Pekka Salonen surprised almost everyone in 2018 by signing a five-year contract to be San Francisco Symphony’s music director after he had told the world that he did not want to have that role again. His tenure began in 2020 – unfortunately coinciding with the onset of COVID-19 – and now there will not be another term. He will leave the post when his five-year contract ends in June 2025. The organization has just over a year to decide who might be next to lead the orchestra.

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