Reviews

Wonderful playing by a youth orchestra, highlighted by an assured performance from a young teen soloist, induces happy thoughts about their future careers.

A young conductor bears all the markings of a major career, evident in her outing with the Napa Valley Symphony and the Cypress Quartet.

Comfortable on the podium, commanding yet avuncular, Semyon Bychkov led substantial performances of two Richard Strauss works and Robert Schumann’s Second symphony Wednesday night at Davies Symphony Hall.

Jon Mendle has already made a name for himself in guitarist circles. His first solo recording makes an exhilarating sweep through the music of J.S. Bach’s friends and sons.

Merce Cunningham requested that his dance company disband after his death. On their final appearance at Stanford Lively Arts, the troupe performs his last work beautifully.

One of America’s best early-music ensembles combines forces with a sterling but hard-to-watch countertenor.

Terrifically satisfying performances highlight a disc that captures 23 art songs by Samuel Barber.

Holding nothing back in cast strength and performance quality, West Edge Opera mounts an admirable production of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos.

The ravishing Beijing-born classical guitarist plays the Spanish classics, tosses off some Bach and Chopin, and swings with works by Brazilian composers.

The Alaskan mezzo, backed by Philharmonia Baroque, launches brilliant vocal fireworks that burst into full bloom.