United States Various: Renée Fleming (soprano), Howard Watkins (piano). Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, University of California, Berkeley, 9.2.2024. (HS)
Renée Fleming shows her versatility in an innovative recital in Berkeley
Harvey Steiman
Mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis rewarding San Francisco recital of music associated with women
United States Various: Raehann Bryce-Davis (mezzo-soprano), Jeanne-Minette Cilliers (piano). Presented by San Francisco Performances, Herbst Theatre, San Francisco, 27.1.2024. (HS)
Tilson Thomas and San Francisco Symphony’s refined, superbly focused Mahler on an emotional evening
United States Mahler: San Francisco Symphony / Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 25.1.2024. (HS)
Is Here We Are Stephen Sondheim’s Falstaff?
Stephen Sondheim’s self-reverential Here We Are
Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim notoriously resisted the idea that his musicals were operas. He would recoil at any comparison between his score for Here We Are, the show he was still tweaking at his death two years ago, and Verdi’s for Falstaff, but it keeps nagging at me.
Sleek and lively Bach and Schubert in San Francisco
United 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)
A high-level cast and ‘La Dolce Vita’ setting charm from the get-go in San Francisco Opera’s The Elixir of Love
United 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)
Gustavo Dudamel and a cuatro virtuoso take San Francisco Symphony on a great ride
United States Ortiz, Grau, Brahms: Jorge Glem (cuatro), San Francisco Symphony / Gustavo Dudamel (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 25.11.2023. (HS)
Breathing forests and village weddings energize the San Francisco Symphony and Esa-Pekka Salonen
United States Stravinsky, Smith: James McVinnie (organ), Lauren Snouffer (soprano), Kayleigh Decker (mezzo-soprano), Paul Appleby (tenor), David Soar (bass), Hillary Leben (animator), San Francisco Symphony Chorus (director: Jenny Wong). San Francisco Symphony / Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 18.11.2023. (HS)
