San Francisco Performances

Robert Greenberg, center, has worked with the Alexander String Quartet -- from left, Sandy Wilson, Zakarias Grafilo, Paul Yarbrough and Frederick Lifsitz -- since the 1980s. (Courtesy San Francisco Performances)

Robert Greenberg, Alexander String Quartet cleverly bring classics to the 21st century

Things have changed since the last time Oakland musicologist-composer Robert Greenberg presented…

 

San Francisco Performances presents the Danish String Quartet in its San Francisco debut on Feb. 19 (Courtesy Caroline Bettenco)

Winter 2018 Arts Preview: Classical

Chamber music and oratorios, symphony concerts and intimate recitals with top artists…

 

San Francisco Performances opens its season with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard performing an All-Bernstein Centennial program on Oct. 1 at Herbst Theatre. (Courtesy Becca Fay)

Fall 2017 Arts Preview: Classical

Virtuosity abounds – with chamber ensembles, orchestras, soloists and grand opera. Here…

 

Mahan Esfahani opens San Francisco Performances’ Pivot series at the Strand Theater. (Courtesy Bernhard Musil/Deutsche Grammophon)

Mahan Esfahani brings modern sounds to the harpsichord

Plucky virtuoso Mahan Esfahani is seeking to change the perception that the…

Mahan Esfahani opens San Francisco Performances’ Pivot series at the Strand Theater. (Courtesy Bernhard Musil/Deutsche Grammophon)
Patrons won’t be able to see New York-based JACK Quartet play Haas’ String Quartet No. 3 on Friday, because it will be performed in darkness as part of San Francisco Performances’ new PIVOT series. (Courtesy Henrik Olund)

A late-night modern quartet – in the dark

San Francisco Performances’ administrator Christine Lim admits that the first of the…

Patrons won’t be able to see New York-based JACK Quartet play Haas’ String Quartet No. 3 on Friday, because it will be performed in darkness as part of San Francisco Performances’ new PIVOT series. (Courtesy Henrik Olund)
Leif Ove Andsnes plays a solo recital of short works by Sibelius, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin at Davies Symphony Hall. (Courtesy Chris Aadland)

Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes honors past, enjoys freedom of present

Leif Ove Andsnes is convinced that the great musicians of the recent…

Leif Ove Andsnes plays a solo recital of short works by Sibelius, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin at Davies Symphony Hall. (Courtesy Chris Aadland)
Ruth Felt, founder of San Francisco Performances, has brought world-class artists to Bay Area stages for 36 years. (Courtesy photo)

San Francisco Performances’ Ruth Felt announces retirement

Ruth Felt, founder of San Francisco Performances, is about to step down…

Ruth Felt, founder of San Francisco Performances, has brought world-class artists to Bay Area stages for 36 years. (Courtesy photo)
Thomas Adès and Gloria Cheng appear in a rare two-pianos/four-hands concert celebrating San Francisco Performances’ return to the Herbst Theatre. (Courtesy photo)

Composing, conducting go hand-in-hand for Thomas Adès

For Thomas Adès, Chopin is the composer who showed him the secrets…

Thomas Adès and Gloria Cheng appear in a rare two-pianos/four-hands concert celebrating San Francisco Performances’ return to the Herbst Theatre. (Courtesy photo)
COURTESY PIER ANDREA MOROLLIPianist Garrick Ohlsson plays two programs of works by Scriabin presented by San Francisco Performances.

Garrick Ohlsson champions Alexander Scriabin

San Francisco piano virtuoso Garrick Ohlsson is proud to take on Alexander…

COURTESY PIER ANDREA MOROLLIPianist Garrick Ohlsson plays two programs of works by Scriabin presented by San Francisco Performances.
Courtesy PhotoMasterful musicians The Pavel Haas Quartet — from left

Young Czech string quartet storming back into city

An ensemble of young, acclaimed Czech musicians returns to the Herbst Theatre…

Courtesy PhotoMasterful musicians The Pavel Haas Quartet — from left
COURTESY PHOTOTop strings: Anne-Sophie Mutter is among the violin superstars appearing in San Francisco Performances 2012-13 season.

Schumann, violinists highlight S.F. Performances season

San Francisco Performances’ upcoming 33rd season opens with concerts by pianist Jonathan…

COURTESY PHOTOTop strings: Anne-Sophie Mutter is among the violin superstars appearing in San Francisco Performances 2012-13 season.