MUSIC REVIEWS
Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramirez Adds Welcome Interactive Dimension to His Sunday Online Recitals
Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramirez has overcome the cessation of concert performance during the coronavirus pandemic shutdown with compelling programming and lively commentary streamed over the internet.
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 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 More