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The Classical California Guide to Opera: The Essential Top 5 of Opera
Explore the world of opera with this guide, featuring 5 essential pieces from Puccini, Wagner, Mozart, Rossini, Bizet, and a bonus from Verdi. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
The ABC’s of Opera: Puccini’s “La bohème”
Explore the timeless themes of love, optimism, and dreams in Puccini's La Bohème. Learn about its history, characters, and its influence on modern productions like Rent.
Puccini’s First Triumph, at San Francisco Opera
Despite a muddled libretto, Giacomo Puccini's opera Manon Lescaut solidified his status as Verdi's successor. Conductor Nicola Luisotti praises the music's ability to transport listeners to paradise.
San Francisco Opera’s New Tosca
Soprano Carmen Giannattasio debuts in San Francisco Opera's new production of Tosca, fulfilling a long-held dream. She brings a fresh approach to the classic Puccini tale of love and revenge.
Rachmaninoff + Fast Cars
Classical California's Brian Lauritzen lives vicariously through Rachmaninoff's obsession of driving fast cars fast.
Deep Cuts for a Classical Summer
Explore lesser-known classical music pieces that celebrate summer, from composers like Copland, Zaimont, Delius, Mazzoli, Melartin, Prokofiev, Beach, Webern, and Still.
A Tribute to Home
Classical California's Brian Lauritzen counts down Gustavo Dudamel's last concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as his tenure as .Music and Artistic Director concludes.
Classical Kick-Off for World Cup 2026
The World Cup is nearing its final whistle, and we're bidding farewell to each departing team with music from home.
How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July
Explore the history of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture's popularity in 4th of July celebrations, its association with fireworks, and its original context in this insightful blog.
A fond farewell from "Lueth in the Booth”
A fond farewell from San Francisco Classical California President, Bill Lueth.
