Janos Gereben

San Francisco

Journalist at San Francisco Classical Voice

Journalist at The San Francisco Examiner

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Articles

Next Season, Cal Performances Stands Strong in Presenting Big and Inclusive Programs

1 week ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

In the face of economic uncertainties and changing international relations, Cal Performances is persisting in presenting large-scale shows and top-notch artists from around the world next season. Along with star-studded chamber concerts and recitals, the 2025–2026 lineup offers dance companies, visiting orchestras, new music, and theater presentations.
Ukrainian Folk Vocal Group YAGÓDY Tours the U.S.

2 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

Representing their war-torn homeland fighting for survival, four Ukrainian women are bringing traditional music and calls for resilience and freedom to the U.S. The group, called YAGÓDY (“berries” in English), is on an extensive American tour of some 20 cities, which began in March in Silver City, New Mexico, and will end this month in Lafayette, Louisiana. YAGÓDY will perform at Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage on April 20.
The “American Art Form” of Musical Theater Is Alive and Well in the Bay Area

2 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

Musicals are an essential component of the Bay Area’s once exceptional — and still vibrant — theater life. “The musical is inherently an American art form,” Pam MacKinnon, artistic director of American Conservatory Theater, told SF Classical Voice. A.C.T. has been a prominent presenter of musicals throughout its six-decade history, from the tenures of William Ball, Edward Hastings, and Carey Perloff to now MacKinnon.
SF Performances’ Next Season Gives Space to Artists’ Best Ideas

3 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

San Francisco Performances, the once tiny group established by Ruth Felt 46 years ago to present chamber music, has blossomed into a major organization offering a large roster of world-class artists — and “not only gentlemen in powdered wigs,” as SFP President Melanie Smith told SF Classical Voice.
On Your Marks, Get Set: 2025 Cliburn Competition Starts Soon

1 month ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

With its videos drawing 60 million views across 177 countries, the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition had one of the largest audiences for any classical music event in history. The winners of that year’s competition — Yunchan Lim, 18, of South Korea; Anna Geniushene, 31, of Russia; and Dmytro Choni, 28, of Ukraine — have gone on to present international tours and acclaimed concerts.
SF Symphony Announces 2025-2026 Season at a “Unique Transitional Moment”

1 month ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

From its first conductor, Henry Hadley, to Pierre Monteux, Seiji Ozawa, and Michael Tilson Thomas, the San Francisco Symphony has been led by many exceptional music directors. Now, as the orchestra announces its 2025–2026 season, which will run from Sept. 4, 2025, through June 28, 2026, the SF Symphony faces uncertainty.
Cantabile Youth Singers Celebrate a Grown-Up 30th Birthday

1 month ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, a youth chorus from the Bay Area won a gold medal and a silver diploma at the European Choir Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, triumphing among 6,300 singers from 47 countries. Now, Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The co-ed choral program was founded in 1994 by music educator Signe Boyer and since 2004 has been under the artistic leadership of Elena Sharkova.
Boycotts, Protests, and Cancellations Return to Concert Halls

1 month ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

More than two centuries after Beethoven ripped up his dedication to Napoleon on the title page of what would become the “Eroica” Symphony, and three years after much of the classical music world responded to the invasion of Ukraine with boycotts against Russia, there’s a new wave of pushback from classical musicians — this time against the American government.
Music Makes a Mark at This Year’s Academy Awards

1 month ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

Music is a vital part of three of entertainment’s biggest nights: the Academy Awards, whose 97th edition took place on Sunday, March 2; the Grammy Awards, which were celebrated last month; and the Tony Awards, coming up on June 8. Oscar night opened with Ariana Grande singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz and Cynthia Erivo singing “Home” from The Wiz, the two then joining in a duet of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.
Continued Illness Forces Michael Tilson Thomas to End Conducting Career

1 month ago | sfcv.org | Janos Gereben

“Life is precious,” wrote Michael Tilson Thomas, 80, in his announcement on Monday, Feb. 24, that he plans to conclude his conducting career, which began some seven decades ago at Walter Reed Junior High School in the San Fernando Valley, after two final engagements this season. “Three years ago, I wrote to tell you that I’m battling Glioblastoma. The three and a half years since the initial diagnosis have been a special time in my life, filled with friends, family, and music.