Artist Spotlights

The much-lauded choreographer Paul Taylor reflects on rites of spring on stage and in his own garden, as his company readies for a series of San Francisco performances.

Before making his S.F. Symphony debut, Augustin Hadelich talks about his musical upbringing in Italy with German parents, how he prepares for performance, and where he finds his extraordinary instruments.

Vocal coach and accompanist extraordinaire Steven Blier waxes eloquent on how he helps singers make art songs vivid, personal, and sincere.

The virtuoso recitalist Richard Goode speaks of how Beethoven chose him, and of how he loves to “enact the music” for himself and his rapt audiences.

The man-of-many-voices Bobby McFerrin reflects on his career start in the Bay Area, his musical legacy from his parents, and his recent innovative CDs.

For her San Francisco recital, a rising star, the mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, selects music that’s both personally meaningful and challenging.

A passionate advocate of contemporary music, as well as a master of the classics, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter talks about composers she venerates.

Coming from a culture that regards classical music as vital to family life, violinist Sarah Chang reflects on her international tours and her 300-year-old instrument that, she says, will outlive her.

Growing up in Spain gave David Russell a love for the guitar, which he has parlayed into a much-lauded career.

Widely recorded and always giving recitals, the Danish recorder virtuoso Michala Petri talks about her love of contemporary music and jazz, and how music lives in in her finger-memory.