Posts by Ken Herman
Mezzo-Soprano Blythe Gaissert as Hansel Takes Cues from Young Sons Bringing ‘Hansel and Gretel’ to San Diego Opera’s Production of the Beloved Fairy Tale Opera
San Diegans impressed with the vocal and dramatic skills of mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert in San Diego Opera’s 2017 production of Laura Kaminsky’s challenging contemporary chamber opera As One should rejoice. Gaissert is back in town to sing the role of Hansel in the company’s production of Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 fairy tale opera Hansel and Gretel that opens February 8 in the Civic Theatre.
Read MoreKian Soltani and Julio Elizalde Bring Brilliant Chamber Program to La Jolla
If the goal of the La Jolla Music Society’s “Discovery Series” is to present highly promising young performers, Sunday’s (January 26) accomplished duo-recital by cellist Kian Soltani and pianist Julio Elizalde made the best possible case for that premise.
Read MoreEdo de Waart and Leila Josefowicz Bring John Adams’ Brilliant Violin Concerto to San Diego
Friday, in his second program of the Symphony’s current month-long Beethoven at 250 festival, Principal Guest Conductor Edo de Waart continued to work his magic, turning out a dramatic but keenly focused account of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony paired with an exhilarating presentation of John Adams’ 1994 Violin Concerto with the accomplished Leila Josefowicz as soloist.
Read MoreAx and de Waart Provide Splendid Opening of the San Diego Symphony’s January Beethoven Festival
Principal Guest Conductor Edo de Waart led the San Diego Symphony in an inspiring, tautly disciplined all-Beethoven concert this weekend, Jan. 10-12. And as soloist in Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto, Emanuel Ax proved to be maestro de Waart’s ideal partner in crime.
Read MoreArt of Élan pairs Caroline Shaw with Lee Krasner in Abstract Expressionist Gallery at the San Diego Museum of Art
Friday at the San Diego Museum of Art, the musical ensemble Art of Élan offered a short program of music by contemporary American women composers in the museum’s downstairs gallery devoted to art by women Abstract Expressionists.
Read More2019: A Pivotal Year in San Diego’s Classical Music Scene
Every season has its high points and low points, but 2019 became a remarkable year for classical music in San Diego.
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