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Day: February 12, 2018

IMMORTAL SEAFARER, DOOMED TO ETERNITY AT SEA

IMMORTAL SEAFARER, DOOMED TO ETERNITY AT SEA

SAN JOSE—Bounce up out of that easy chair and catch a rare “The Flying Dutchman,” for which Opera San Jose imported singers from as far away as Berlin. You might need a seat belt, because these are big-league (and big volume) Wagnerian voices, in a small 1,200-seat theater (about a quarter the size of NYC’s Met)—a rare treat for listeners, one that few companies can afford. In his fantasy operas Richard Wagner had the knack of creating bigger-than-life characters in…

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BISS’ IRON-MAN FEAT: SIX CONCERTOS IN THREE DAYS

BISS’ IRON-MAN FEAT: SIX CONCERTOS IN THREE DAYS

BERKELEY, CA—-The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has been a thriving outfit for some 59 years despite two burdens that most orchestras work hard to avoid, fearing unpalatable ticket sales: Lack of a conductor/music director, and the title  word “chamber” in place of “symphony.” Further playing down any star power, the group dons black no-necktie outfits, and it has two violinists alternating in the concertmaster’s seat. The saving grace comes on two fronts: an excellent ensemble, containing close to one-half women,…

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