Concert and opera reviews from Northern California.
It was just last year that the young Polish conductor Krzysztof Urbanski made a knockout debut with the San Francisco Symphony, leading the orchestra with a rare combination of dramatic intensity and kinetic flair. It was the kind of performance so striking that it left you not quite believing what you’d just witnessed.
Read MoreSoprano Christine Goerke...was masterful in the role of Elektra, with her voice rich, full, and dominating in every scene. Dressed in basic unadorned black and ready for action in black running shoes, she moved with energy and grace all over the stage.
Read MoreDavid Hockney, the original designer, celebrates his 80th birthday this year with many exhibits of his work throughout the US and internationally.
Read MoreAmerican soprano Julie Adams, as Mimi, gave her first (of two) 2017 performances (having sung the role last year in the “Bohème for Families”. She was a genuine and believable heroine, with a clear and creamy voice and warmth and beauty in her smile.
Read MoreItalian bass-baritone Ildebrando D’Arcangelo makes his SF debut in the role; he is a strikingly handsome, sensual performer with an appropriate air of entitlement and sings lustily throughout.
Read MoreThe Duke of Mantua, played by New Zealand tenor Pene Pati is joined on stage, in smaller roles, by his wife, soprano Amina Edris and his brother, tenor Amitai Pati. All three are SF Opera Adler fellows.
Read MoreThe sets and costumes were designed by Jun Kaneko, a Japanese ceramic artist, in his first foray into opera.
Read MoreThe overall concept of the opera, according to director Francesca Zambello, was to bring it into our time, with modern military and religious men and prisoners rather than slaves.
Read MoreGerman soprano Nadja Michael charmed, terrified and bewitched the San Francisco Opera audience in the enfant terrible role of Salome...
Read MoreNatalie Dessay, the diva du jour in the high coloratura roles, caused quite a stir in her belated San Francisco Opera debut this month. Next to the Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tower, Dessay could very well count herself to be one of France’s cultural treasures.
Read MoreCLASSICAL VOICE - Lifestyle Blog for Serious Classical Music and Opera Lovers
