Fall Preview: San Francisco Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony knows how to throw a classy party. Opening night 2019-20 approaches, and expectations, not to mention ticket sales, are running high for the celebration of Michael Tilson Thomas' 25th and final season as Music Director.

Grand Finale for Merola Opera grads

Instead of returning to campus this fall, the Merola Opera Program class of 2019 has already graduated from the organization's prestigious "summer school." A recent "commencement" concert at the War Memorial Opera House presented the 29 young artists.

Opera from the far left edge: West Edge Opera

Challenged by production costs, complicated site procurement, and a problematical performance space, West Edge Opera Festival 2019 can still be called a success.

Courtships aboard the Quarterdeck

"H.M.S. Pinafore" sailed into Walnut Creek earlier this month, beginning a run of four weekend dockings in the Bay Area. San Francisco's famous Lamplighters Music Theatre raises the mainsail on Gilbert & Sullivan's perennial favorite.

Soul-snatching & shape-shifting opera 'If I Were You'

Starting with a hook as catchy as anything in Puccini, composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer's latest operatic collaboration received its world premiere at Herbst Theatre in San Francisco last week.

Late summer musical evenings

San Franciscans tired of foggy summer nights know a trip to the East Bay (or South) can be just the ticket to a balmy evening or an SPF 30 afternoon.

Swapping souls

"If I Were You" is up and ready to go. Workshopped in January, double-cast from this year's crop of talented Merolini, and set for a run at Herbst Theatre August 1-6.

Summer concert introduces opera stars

Fresh faces, big voices, and an enthusiastic audience charged the San Francisco Conservatory of Music last week at the 62nd season opener of the Merola Opera Program.

Summertime ovations for SF Symphony, SF Opera

San Francisco music-lovers taking staycations this summer can plan concert events knowing there is no lack of cultural activity in the coming months.

No happy ending, but a glorious opera

The third and final entry in San Francisco Opera's summer season opened on Father's Day with stage director Leah Hausman's entertaining revival of David McVicar's Lyric Opera of Chicago production of Dvorak's dark and dreamlike "Rusalka."

Updating 'Orlando'

"Orlando," the second installment in SFO's highly contrasted summer line-up of three, updates Handel's adventurous score to a 20th-century setting and adds psychological insight for 21st-century listeners.

Enduring 'Carmen'

The latest revival of Bizet's "Carmen," which opened the San Francisco Opera's summer season last week, proves something we always knew.

Night music

Gustav Mahler said, "A symphony must be like the world, it must embrace everything." San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas has agreed throughout his own career.

Lyrical expression

San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas returns from early spring hiatus next week.

Spring break at Davies Symphony Hall

While San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas remains on hiatus until early May, the Orchestra plays host to some outstanding guest conductors at Davies Symphony Hall.

Awakening to the glories of 'Saul'

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale ended its 38th season with performances in the Bay Area and Los Angeles of Handel's splendid Biblical oratorio "Saul."

April brings star turns, musical riches

Philharmonia Baroque and the San Francisco Symphony are drawing crowds to Herbst Theatre and Davies Symphony Hall to cheer musical players in damp and drizzly April.

Striking out for Santa Fe

A new chamber opera based on an incident in the life of painter Georgia O'Keeffe premiered last week at Z Space in San Francisco. "Today It Rains" raced through a strong Score and thought-provoking story.

Beautiful dreamers

Two recent concerts in Berkeley and San Francisco offered different musical takes on contemporary and historic North America.

Georgia O'Keeffe on their minds

March goes out like a lion, at least on the San Francisco music scene this year.

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