An odd but fascinating olio from Wu Man and the Kronos Quartet

United StatesUnited States Various: Wu Man (pipa), Kronos Quartet / David Harrington, John Sherba (violins), Hank Dutt (viola), Paul Wiancko (cello). Presented by Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, 1.4.2023. (HS)

Kronos Quartet has a twenty-year association with the pipa artist Wu Han © Stephen Kahn

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William Kentridge’s production of South African opera, Sybil, dazzles in its US premiere in Berkeley

United StatesUnited States Kyle Shepherd, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Waiting for the Sybil: Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Xolisile Bongwana, Ayanda Nhlangothi, Zandile Hlatshwayo, Siphiwe Nkabinde, S’busiso Shozi (voices), Kyle Shepherd (piano). Cal Performances, Zellerbach Auditorium, University of California Berkeley, 19.3.2023. (HS)

Singers (right) contemplate a cryptic prophecy by the Sybil, danced by Teresa Phuti Mojela © Catharyn Hayne

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Zakir Hussain and friends improvise a delicious 90 minutes of percussion

United StatesUnited States Zakir Hussain’s Masters of Percussion: Zakir Hussain (tabla), Sabir Khan (sārangī, vocals), Tupac Mantilla (percussion), Melissa Hié (djembe, vocals, balafon), Navin Sharma (dholak). Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, 11.3.2023. (HS)

From left: Navin Sharma (dholak), Tupac Mantilla (percussion), Melissa Hié (djembe), Sabit Khan (sarangi), Zakir Hussain (tabla)

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Thielemann’s no-nonsense walk through the Alps with the Vienna Phil at Cal Performances

United StatesUnited States Schoenberg, R. Strauss: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Christian Thielemann (conductor). Presented by Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, 7.3.2023. (HS)

Christian Thielemann conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra © VPO

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