Reviews | San Francisco Classical Voice

Wild Ride Through Brooklyn

Jeff Kaliss - October 13, 2009

The music of this CD/DVD is easier on the ear than the concept is easy on the mind. But that doesn’t obviate the importance of, and the potential pleasure in, embracing the full intent of the creator, Sufjan Stevens.

Review

Menlo-Atherton Concert Hall Strikes Gold

Dan Leeson - October 12, 2009

Sunday afternoon’s inaugural performance at the sumptuous new Center for the Performing Arts at Menlo-Atherton opened both eyes and ears.

Debut of a Bright New Chamber Orchestra

David Bratman - October 12, 2009

The Mid-Peninsula is home to a number of dedicated amateur orchestras. Some local patrons felt there was, nevertheless, room for a chamber orchestra made up of local professionals — and now there is one. The St. Peter’s Chamber Orchestra, named for its hall, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redwood City, gave its first concert Saturday. Artistic Director Paul Schrage conducted the performance.

Review

All Together Now

Georgia Rowe - October 12, 2009

After last month’s impressive performances of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra returned to its 17th-century roots over the weekend with a program of short works, led by guest violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch.

The program, titled “The Concerto: An Adversarial Friendship,” was designed to explore the often-turbulent relationship between soloists and orchestras, and th

Review

Virtue in Vespers

Chelsea Nicole Spangler - October 10, 2009

In another concert series geared toward social justice, the ArtisVocal Ensemble presented an evening of “Kirkenabendmusik” at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley on Friday.

Review

A Few Zesty Surprises

Heuwell Tircuit - October 9, 2009

Applause broke out at unexpected times Wednesday evening in Davies Symphony Hall as guest conductor David Robertson wowed the San Francisco Symphony audience.

Review

Having the Composer At Hand

Be'eri Moalem - October 6, 2009

Music sounds different when the composer’s in the room. It sounds even more different when he’s sitting near you and hands you a score. That was the predicament in which I found myself Sunday afternoon, at the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players’ “Contemporary Insights” lectures.

Review

The Anatomy of Cultural Diversity, With Imani Winds and Stefon Harris

Kwami Coleman - October 6, 2009

Imani Winds, a wind quintet whose stylish grace and charm match the high quality of sound produced from their instruments, hold a substantial pedigree among fellow artists, audiences, and critics alike.

Review

Ah, Youth!

Jeff Dunn - October 6, 2009

If you are looking for a gift for someone beginning their odyssey into classical music, you could do worse than send them the latest DGG sampler release of repertoire standards spiced with two dances by the Mexican composer Arturo Márquez.

Review

Bach, Stewed

Scott Cmiel - October 5, 2009

The Japanese guitarist Kazuhito Yamashita performed an ambitious, all-Bach program Friday at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.