Posts by Ken Herman
‘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 MoreBell and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Salute Beethoven and Paganini at the Jacobs Music Center
The La Jolla Music Society brought the Academy of St Martin in the Fields under the direction of Joshua Bell to San Diego two years ago, and they returned to the Jacobs Music Center in downtown San Diego Monday, March 2.
Read MoreKorean Conductor Eun Sun Kim Makes Impressive Debut with San Diego Symphony
Korean guest conductor Eun Sun Kim’s assured, even commanding appearance this weekend, February 28n & 29, with the San Diego Symphony easily demonstrated why the San Francisco Opera recently hired her as their Music Director.
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