Visually stunning Xerxes opens at SF Opera

  George Frideric Handel caused a stir in 1738 London with his opera, Xerxes, one of 46 operas he wrote in a long and productive career, but to captivate a modern audience—one glutted on action thrillers—requires a creative approach to the Baroque. ...

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Oakland East Bay Symphony opens stylish new season

Flash-bangs at the Paramount  A program of brilliance and bling fired up a full house Friday night at the Paramount Theatre, Oakland’s refurbished Art Deco masterpiece, and that was a perfect setting for the on-stage sizzle.  Michael Morgan led the Oakland East Bay Symphony in their Opening Night concert, “New world A-Comin’,” titled after Duke Ellington’s hopeful work for orchestra and improvised piano. After a...

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