A recent conversation with San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock centered on the announcement this week of repertory in the Company's 2018-19 Season.

American music has produced nothing finer or more advanced than jazz, yet it lurks in the shadows.

Well-Strung has graced concert stages around the world. When they appear at Feinstein's, the guys will be performing pop/classical mash-ups.

Stephen Hough has made a name for himself as a polymath.

With the release of her debut solo disc Change (Kill Rock Stars), Cindy Wilson is the third member of the legendary B-52s to record a solo album.

This winter of 2017-18, whether you're all bundled up and trudging through snow and ice or wearing board shorts and soaking up the sun at the beach, remember that music makes everything better.

There were hits and misses, a world premiere, directorial missteps and some aging shows, but no egregious flops, and many memorable performances.

With nothing strictly new in it, is Warner's new "Maria Callas - Live Re-Mastered" box-set necessary, let alone important?

The 10th anniversary edition expanded reissue of Josh Groban's "Noel" (Reprise), one of the biggest-selling Christmas album of all time, now boasts six additional songs, including four newly recorded selections.

The mighty "Amens" in the final chorus of Handel's "Messiah" still echo in memory, days after personally enjoying a last live concert of 2017 at Davies Symphony Hall with the San Francisco Symphony.

The best recording of 2017, a year of living dangerously, was of Messiaen's "Quatuor pour le Fin du Temps" ("The Quartet for the End of Time").

Liner notes to the new Morrissey album "Low in High School" (Etienne) tell us it's "dedicated to Dick Gregory (1932-2017)."

"Since I've Been Gone" chronicles the time since Spangler left home to pursue a life on the stage.

The following expanded reissues by George Michael, Pet Shop Boys, Jackie Shane and The Smiths are custom-made for the LGBTQ music-lovers on your holiday gift list.