Artist Spotlights

Mezzo Elizabeth DeShong elaborates on her understanding of Madama Butterfly's confidante, as she prepares for her S.F. Opera run in the emotionally powerful role.

Noted for his “reimagining” of works by Mahler and Mozart and their ilk, Uri Caine discusses his Jewish roots, classical improv, and wide-ranging jazz influences.

Others’ scholarship and playing styles helped draw Kristian Bezuidenhout to the beguiling field of early-music performance.

Susanna Phillips’ star is still on the rise, and San Francisco audiences will welcome her Poulenc and Fauré on May 29 and 30, in concert with the S.F. Symphony.

As S.F. Opera prepares to launch its summer production of the great musical Show Boat, its director reflects on its broad relevance to the America of today.

Concert-loving mezzo Kelley O’Connor talks about upcoming performances and the expanding arc of her career.

A passion for connecting today’s audiences with great music of the past is the driving force behind Nicole Paiement’s rising company, Opera Parallèle.

The Labèque sisters are readying their latest four-hand program for San Francisco, featuring American composers, played in Katia’s and Marielle’s inimitable fashion.

The much-recorded, much-loved tabla artist prepares for his Zellerbach Hall concert and discusses matters ranging from his childhood influences to his latest ensemble colleagues.

Pianist Dmitri Alexeev discusses the stylistic differences among pianists from the Soviet era versus Russians playing in recent decades.