A.C.T. presents “Hamlet”

Hamlet. You may have seen it. Once or twice. Or read it. Once or twice. For over 400 years, Shakespeare’s Hamlet has reigned supreme over theatrical dramas, and has been in continuous production since it first appeared in London, likely in the year 1602. The list of actors who have played the role of the Prince of Denmark is formidable and long. From Richard Burbage, the...

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“La Traviata” at SF Opera

Troubling and timeless… There is a timelessness to great music. That timeless quality was immediately apparent at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, where Giuseppe Verdi’s teasing textures, joyous dances, divine progressions and hair-raising harmonies were faithfully rendered by the SF Opera Orchestra under the baton of Nicola Luisotti. In creating that great music Verdi mirrored...

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Opening the Season

Big names and rich substance With the Music Season fast upon us, Bay Area players are in their blocks and ready to sprint, the first heats of an Indian summer. Here is a short list of what is in store for us this fall. The San Francisco Symphony opens its doors with a splash on this very Thursday, Sept. 14, with a festive Gala. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas combines forces with...

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A cozy Così at Opera San José

The delectable charm of Mozart ... The second title for the Mozart–Da Ponte opera Così Fan Tutte is La scola degli amanti, or The school for lovers. It could just have easily been...

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