MUSIC REVIEWS
‘Nixon in China’ a Glorious Season Finale for San Diego Opera
When composer John Adams chalked up the global success of his first opera ‘Nixon in China’ to beginner’s luck, it was easy to perceive his puckish humor taking charge. But mere luck clearly did not bring about the triumph of San Diego Opera’s extraordinary production of ‘Nixon in China’ that opened Saturday (March 14) at Civic Theatre . . .
Read MoreMexican Orchestra Brings Rare Ponce Piano Concerto to San Diego
Because foreign orchestras from our own hemisphere are rarely heard in San Diego, Friday’s (March 13) concert by the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Méxio at the Jacobs Music Center’s Copley Symphony Hall brought a welcome change of repertory . . .
Read MoreBold and Bravura Chamber Music at Mainly Mozart
Mainly Mozart teamed the powerhouse pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and equally assertive violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg with the rambunctious Miami String Quartet to produce a virtual tsunami of sound at La Jolla’s Auditorium at TSRI.
Read MoreArt of Élan’s Answered Prayers & Rustic Songs
Over its eventful seven years, the music series Art of Élan has cultivated a strong relationship with its primary host, the San Diego Museum of Art. Drawing inspiration from the 17th-century painting “St. Francis at Prayer in a Grotto” by Francisco de Zurbarán—the museum’s much celebrated new acquisition—the series’ Tuesday (March 3) program was built on the theme of “Prayers and Songs.”
Read MoreBach Collegium San Diego Offers a Worthy Tribute to Its Namesake
Ruben Valenzuela’s early music ensemble Bach Collegium San Diego offered three of J. S. Bach’s major orchestral suites on programs this past weekend under the skilled direction of Nicholas Kraemer . . .
Read MoreGreat Schubert But Only Modest Mozart
Music Director Jahja Ling and the San Diego Symphony gave a lucidly detailed and energetically paced account of Franz Schubert’s “Great” C Major Symphony Sunday . . .
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