The San Jose Chamber Orchestra called on two of the South Bay’s superfine talents over the weekend: composer Michael Touchi and mezzo-soprano Layna Chianakas. The occasion was the start of the orchestra’s 20th season. The vehicle was Touchi’s “Kahea (The Call),” a new setting of traditional Hawaiian religious texts — which must be some kind [...]
Archive of posts filed under the Reviews category.
Some More Reviews
Since there were two casts for Elixir some folks like to attend two performances to catch all the singers. And some people go to all four performances! So here are a few more reviews I’ve now located: Opera Tattler (from the final performance) Civic Center (from Thursday night, I believe) Examiner (a second review, this [...]
First Reviews Are In
Some reviews are in, and one, that is supposed to be up at the Mercury News says it’s no longer available and I should search the archives. Hmmm. I think they have a problem. And, now that I check another, so does Contra Costa Times. I’m going to guess they are by the same writer, [...]
Another Merola Review
Janos Gereben from San Francisco Classical Voice.
Here’s A Review Headline For You
REVIEW: Sting’s newest album, ‘Symphoniticies’ not as awful as expected I didn’t even read the review … but ouch!
MQOD
There also appeared to be some heat, as in hot around the collar, down in the orchestra pit. Maazel, one of the greatest conductors of our time, did not look like he was having a good time. This was especially the case during “Suor Angelica,” the last third of Puccini’s “Il Trittico,” when he could [...]
Bizarre Review?
I know reviewers can write things that are a bit odd to my “ear” (eye?) but which don’t hit anyone else the same way. So tell me … do these things seem odd to you, or is it just me?: Lindsey Goodman, principal flutist with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, was without fault during a [...]
Review #2
David Bratman, San Francisco Classical Voice This includes a nice nod to Janet Sims, who does the preconcert lectures.
I’ll Take It!
The Merc has a review of last night’s concert. I’m even mentioned! Sweet!
Looks Like It’s A Success
Moby Dick, the opera. Who knew it could work? But the reviews are coming in, and so far, so good. Joshua Kosman, SF Gate/Chronicle Anne Midgette, Washington Post Scott Cantrell, Dallas News Steve Smith, New York Times Wayne Lee Gay, D Magazine Ronald Blum, AP
Rondine Review Compilation
Okay … what I’ve seen so far: Cynthia Corral Eman Isadiar Joshua Kosman Emma Krasov Mort Levine Scott MacClelland
This Is The Kind Of Review I Love!
A novice to the art form, Cynthia Corral, reviewed La Rondine. How fun to read about her experience! Opera San Jose recently invited us to attend opening night of Puccini’s La Rondine, and as I have a few friends who are crazy about opera, I decided to give it a go. The result was that [...]
Another Review
From The Opera Critic. (The review is by Michael J. Vaughn.)
More Reviews
Reviews are coming in! Following Richard Scheinin’s, these are now up: The Examiner has one here, by Eman Isadiar. SFCV is quite favorable, Joshua Kosman gives a somewhat mixed review, and blogger Emma Krasov is complimentary. It’s nice to see this opera — and this opera company — getting such positive attention!
I Dunno …
For the Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”), Mr. Fischer radically broke with conventional orchestral seating. The principal flutist, oboist and clarinetist were placed front and center, with other winds mingled throughout the ensemble: a second flutist back near the basses, a second oboist between the violas and second violins, a piccolo player with the trombones on [...]