Dazzling Brahms from Fischer trumps the San Francisco Symphony’s dramatic Stravinsky

United StatesUnited States Stravinsky, Brahms: Sasha Cooke (mezzo-soprano), Nicholas Phan (tenor), Luca Pisaroni (baritone), Julia Fischer (violin), San Francisco Symphony / Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 23.2.2024. (HS)

Julia Fischer © Uwe Arens (IMG)

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San Francisco Opera in 2024-2025

San Francisco Opera takes a step back in the 2024-25 season

Music director Eun Sun Kim and general director Matthew Shilvock © Cody Pickens

After a 2023-24 season that featured three significant and well-received new operas, San Francisco Opera this week announced a 2024-25 season with fewer performances and only one company premiere – The Handmaid’s Tale, which dates from 2000.

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Sleek and lively Bach and Schubert in San Francisco

United StatesUnited States Legion Chamber Music – J. S. Bach, Schubert: Alexander Barantschik (violin), Peter Wyrick (cello), Anton Nel (piano and harpsichord). Presented by San Francisco Symphony, Gunn Theater at the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, 3.12.2023. (HS)

Alexander Barantschik (violin), Anton Nel (piano), Peter Wyrick (cello) take bows after the Schubert Trio © Harvey Steiman

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A high-level cast and ‘La Dolce Vita’ setting charm from the get-go in San Francisco Opera’s The Elixir of Love

United StatesUnited States Donizetti, The Elixir of Love: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of San Francisco Opera / Ramón Tebar (conductor). War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, 26.11.2023. (HS)

Pene Pati (Nemorino) drunk on the ‘elixir’ and members of the chorus © Kristen Loken/SFO

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Gustavo Dudamel and a cuatro virtuoso take San Francisco Symphony on a great ride

United StatesUnited States Ortiz, Grau, Brahms: Jorge Glem (cuatro), San Francisco Symphony / Gustavo Dudamel (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 25.11.2023. (HS)

Ovation for Odisea with composer Gonzalo Grau, cuatro soloist Jorge Glem and conductor Gustavo Dudamel © Harvey Steiman

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