Concert and opera reviews from Southern California.
This summer’s big draw is not big-name conductors, but a starry lineup of guest soloists – French pianist Hélène Grimaud, Japanese superstar jazz crossover pianist Hayato Sumino, the San Francisco Ballet – to name a few in the month of July
Read MoreUnder maestro St. Clair, the orchestral playing was lyrical, opulent, gleaming. The accompaniment to the “Sanctus” chorus and the “Dies irae” sections was splendidly apocalyptic.
Read MoreLots of social media buzz surrounded a cast change announced in May, adding the celebrated Cuban-American coloratura soprano Lisette Oropesa as the first Gilda and relegating Kathryn Lewek, the original Gilda, to the second.
Read MoreBeethoven's "Archduke" Trio opened the program with noble assurance. Bronfman played with a genial, singing tone in the opening theme.
Read MoreAlexander Shelley's inaugural concert as Music Director Designate of the Pacific Symphony. He will officially take over in the 2026/27 season and Carl St. Clair, the Symphony’s MD of 35 years, will become its Music Director Emeritus.
Read MoreApril highlights include John Williams Celebration, McGegan conducting Four Seasons, Evgeny Kissin and Ryan Bancroft conducting Nielsen's Symphony No. 4
Read MoreIn transcribing Mr. Zvulun’s operatic staging to the Pacific Symphony’s concert stage, director Gregory Luis H. Boyle admitted having to redesign the video projections and the sets, but keeping the same costume and storytelling concept.
Read MoreThe hall on day 1 was decked out with lavish floral extravaganza, and on day 2 with giant poster boards of the Golden Hall (Musikverein), home of the VPO, and no flowers or fancy ball gowns.
Read MoreThis new-to-L.A. production of Mozart’s rom-com Così fan tutte is at once serious, moving, and entertaining. It is also thought-provoking.
Read MoreOver a period of three weeks (2/22 – 3/7), the L.A. Phil celebrated the Mahler Grooves Festival. Youth orchestras from across the greater Los Angeles region assembled at the Disney Hall…
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