Arts & Culture :: Music

Five-man band in a beautiful tragedy

Five-man band in a beautiful tragedy

  • by David Lamble
  • Feb 25, 2020

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.

French masters bring concert hall flair

French masters bring concert hall flair

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Feb 18, 2020

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.

Garden of Barbara Eden

Garden of Barbara Eden

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Feb 11, 2020

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.

Rough Hough

Rough Hough

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Feb 11, 2020

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).

Music as spur to memory

Music as spur to memory

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Feb 4, 2020

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.

Rocket Man opens up

Rocket Man opens up

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Feb 4, 2020

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

10th annual readers' poll starts

10th annual readers' poll starts

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Jan 29, 2020

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

Beethoven is this year's birthday boy

Beethoven is this year's birthday boy

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Jan 28, 2020

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

Laurie Anderson shares SFJAZZ stage

Laurie Anderson shares SFJAZZ stage

  • by Roberto Friedman
  • Jan 28, 2020

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

SF Opera announces 2020-21 season

SF Opera announces 2020-21 season

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Jan 22, 2020

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.

Latin lesbian conductor takes podium

Latin lesbian conductor takes podium

  • by Roberto Friedman
  • Jan 21, 2020

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.

Slings & arrows of an operatic 'Hamlet'

Slings & arrows of an operatic 'Hamlet'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Jan 21, 2020

It's been a very good year for French opera and vocal music on recordings.

Linda Ronstadt, born to sing

Linda Ronstadt, born to sing

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jan 14, 2020

Directed by gay filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice" is not a standard bio-pic but more a celebratory portrait of the artist.

Beethoven, Violins of Hope kick off year

Beethoven, Violins of Hope kick off year

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Jan 7, 2020

Celebrations of Ludwig van Beethoven's 250th birthday start Jan. 16-18 with MTT conducting Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring soloist Emanuel Ax.