Hard on the heels of the recent announcement of Esa-Pekka Salonen's first season with the San Francisco Symphony, the Music Director Designate commenced two weeks of guest appearances at Davies Symphony Hall.

If you don't think you know who Keala Settle is, a single song title will make you realize otherwise: "This Is Me."

The lobby of Davies Symphony Hall felt more like a big, glamorous bar last week as the San Francisco Symphony announced the 2020-21 Season, its first with Music Director Designate Esa-Pekka Salonen on the podium.

In the opening frames of the fabulous rock-history memory piece "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band," the one-time pretty boy and still quite handsome bandleader Robbie Robertson ruefully reflects on a human tragedy.

The San Francisco Symphony's February concerts cover the orchestra's full dynamic range, from Conductor Laureate Herbert Blomstedt's mastery of tradition to Music Director Designate Esa-Pekka Salonen's contemporary flair.

Iconic TV star Barbara Eden, best-known for her role as the genie in the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at San Francisco Conservatory of Music's Annual Fanfare Luncheon on Fri., Feb. 14.

Writing deeply informed reflections about classical music in language that engages the non-specialist, Stephen Hough's pieces are collected in "Rough Ideas: Reflections on Music and More" (FS&G).

Two concerts in San Francisco recently evoked memories and underscored the importance of history, offering new hope for the future. One was a solemn memorial, the other a celebration of musical tradition.

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Penner, England, the only child of abusive parents.

This year marks the 10th annual Bay Area Reporter readers' poll, the Besties, and voting begins Thursday, January 30.

Performance artist Laurie Anderson has changed so much over the years and into her mature work.

Say hello to 2020 with "Beethoven250," virtuosic guest soloists, a new co-commissioned work, and World and SFS Premieres.

A first look at the San Francisco Opera's 2020-21 season announcement is predictably exciting. There are some bold and baffling surprises, but the reasons are smart and balanced.

Music director Jessica Bejarano, a lesbian Latina, is the founder and conductor of a new ensemble, the San Francisco Philharmonic. Their first concert comes up on Feb. 3 at the Wilsey Center in San Francisco.