San Francisco Classical Voice

2 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Simon Cohen

For more than five decades, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has been an iconic fixture in contemporary music, expanding the string quartet repertoire and taking on contemporary challenges. Since its founding in 1973 by violinist David Harrington — who leads the ensemble as its only remaining original member — Kronos has focused on globally and socially resonant music, and the 10th annual Kronos Festival promises to continue this signature mission while simultaneously launching a new era.

3 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Victoria Looseleaf

Mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack is not only riding the crest of a huge operatic wave but also leading the vanguard of a new generation of opera performers, infusing her artistry with a blend of passion, adventurousness, and natural charisma. She will once again grace the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion when she steps into the role of Federico García Lorca in Los Angeles Opera’s production of Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar, which runs April 26 – May 18.

3 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Steven Winn

It took pianist Evgeny Kissin much of the first half of his recital to fully hit his stride. But when he did, with a dynamic, expansive performance of Frédéric Chopin’s Scherzo No. 4, the packed audience at Davies Symphony Hall got what they paid for and then some. In concerts around the world and on recordings, Kissin has established himself as a justly celebrated Chopin interpreter.

3 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Iris Kwok

The 10th annual Kronos Festival, which takes place April 25–27 at SFJAZZ, will mark the Kronos Quartet’s first Bay Area performances after a recent round of musical chairs. Second violinist Gabriela Díaz and violist Ayane Kozasa joined the pioneering contemporary-music ensemble last summer, stepping into roles long held by John Sherba and Hank Dutt, who jointly retired in June 2024 at the conclusion of the ensemble’s 50th-anniversary season.

3 weeks ago | sfcv.org | Victoria Looseleaf

Since taking second prize at the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Yeol Eum Son, now 38, has continued to thrill audiences around the world. And April 25–27, she’ll be making her debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Ryan Bancroft at Walt Disney Concert Hall, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. Born in Wonju, South Korea, Son started piano lessons at age 3½ and was winning her first music competitions less than a decade later.