Posts by Ken Herman
Music Organizations Turn to the Internet for Performance Possibilities During the Quarantine
With theaters and concert halls darkened, local arts organizations have decided to put their product to online.
Read MoreRamirez Rescues Live Performance at the Organ Pavilion While City’s Music Venues Are Darkened
San Diego concert halls were dark this weekend in compliance with the growing restrictions on public gathering due to the spread of the coronavirus. San Diego’s prized Spreckels Organ, however, has no hall and plays into the spacious outdoor setting of Balboa Park, so Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramirez took advantage of his unique venue…
Read More‘House of Joy’ at San Diego Repertory Theatre: More Spectacle Than Persuasive Drama
San Diego Repertory Theatre has opened flamboyant new production of Madhuri Shekar’s “House of Joy” in the Lyceum Space. The house is a royal harem in 17th-century India, and the “joy” part is total irony.
Read MoreArt of Élan’s Compelling Chamber Music for These Distressing Times
Given the shocking cancellations by major San Diego performances slated for this week by San Diego Opera and the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, it was a minor miracle that Art of Élan presented its chamber concert Tuesday, March 10, at the San Diego Museum of Art.
Read MoreJeff Thayer and the San Diego Symphony Reveal the Brilliance of Britten’s Violin Concerto
Among the welcome changes Rafael Payare has brought to the San Diego Symphony is a revitalization of the orchestra’s repertory. Major works the orchestra had not previously performed—and not just new compositions—are now center stage. In January, 2019, when Payare was still Music Director Designate, he conducted the orchestra and cellist Alisa Weilerstein in Benjamin…
Read MoreBel Canto Trio Brings the Allure and Excitement of Grand Opera to La Jolla’s Baker-Baum Concert Hall
In December, the San Diego Opera’s dētour series presented tenor Joshua Guerrero and soprano Ailyn Pérez in a duo recital at the downtown San Diego Balboa Theatre that turned out to be a smashing success. Not surprisingly, General Director David Bennett jumped at the chance to add Guerrero with his touring ensemble the Bel Canto…
Read More