PROVOCATIVE THOUGHTS:
The late Patric Standford may have written these short pieces deliberately to provoke our feedback. If so, his success is reflected in the rich range of readers' comments appearing at the foot of most of the pages.
VIDEO PODCAST: Slava Ukraini! - recorded on the day Europe woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin's Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. Also features Caitríona O'Leary and Eric Fraad discussing their new film Island of Saints, and pays tribute to Joseph Horovitz, Malcolm Troup and Maria Nockin.
Ensemble. San Francisco's Starry Rusalka - James Sohre sends the last of three reports from San Francisco Opera
Ensemble. 'Carmen' Redeemed - James Sohre reports from San Francisco
Ensemble. A Great Joy - Zambello's 'Aida' premieres at San Francisco Opera, by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Carmen Lite-ful (Rhymes with Frightful) - James Sohre sends the last of his reports from San Francisco
Ensemble. Triumphant Janácek - 'Jenufa' in San Francisco impresses James Sohre
Ensemble. Musically Exceptional - San Francisco's starry Don Carlo, seen by James Sohre
Ensemble. Unique Enchantment - Mozart's Magic Flute at San Francisco Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Bloody Good Time - James Sohre enjoyed Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd' at San Francisco Opera
Ensemble. Unjustly Neglected - Rare Verdi, well done in San Francisco, reported by James Sohre
DVD Spotlight. Strong Voices - 'Porgy and Bess' from San Francisco Opera, appreciated by Ron Bierman. '... John DeMain leads the opera orchestra in a performance that blends well with the voices ...'
Ensemble. A Gift Horse - Berlioz's 'Les Troyens' at San Francisco Opera brings tears to James Sohre's eyes
Ensemble. Taking Flight? - Marco Tutino's 'Two Women (La Ciociara)', reviewed by James Sohre
Ensemble. Excellent Material - A look at Tobias Picker and Sandy McClatchy's fascinating new opera Dolores Claiborne, by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. First Class - San Francisco Opera's film of Puccini's 'La bohème', seen by Maria Nockin