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San Francisco Chronicle
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Your guide to the best summer classical music in the Bay Area, from opera to experimental sound
History-making budgetary constraints — due in great measure to funding cuts — for many classical arts organizations have created a challenging environment for local arts communities. Despite these setbacks, the Bay Area remains a creative hotbed, and this summer's live music offerings are proof, with a worthy lineup of opera, orchestral, world and chamber music events. Enjoy the diverse curation of the popular Yerba Buena Gardens Festival performance series and the San Francisco Symphony's stellar summer programming. And be sure to seek out noteworthy productions that may be flying under the radar, with publicity options diminished by slashed operational budgets. San Francisco Merola Opera Program Each summer a fresh group of pre-professional opera students get an opportunity to participate in the San Francisco Opera's well-established training program. This year's performances are scheduled to include showcase concerts with orchestral accompaniment, a production of Rossini's 'Le Comte Ory' and a grand finale. Schwabacher Summer Concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10; 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12. $10-$35 • 'Le Comte Ory': 7:30 p.m. July 31; 2 p.m. Aug. 2. $10-$65, reservations required. San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F. • S.F. Merola Grand Finale: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., S.F. $10-$85. 415-864-3330. Philharmonia Baroque: Coffee Concerts Take a coffee break with Philharmonia Baroque musicians as they present live classical music — as heard in 18th century salons and coffeehouses —performed on period instruments. Upcoming programs are 'Back to the Baroque,' 'Freshly Brewed Baroque' and 'Bach Before Noon.' 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, July 15, Aug. 12 and Sept. 16. Free. The Conservatory, 1 Sansome St., S.F. 415-252-1288. Noontime Concerts: Redwood Virtuosi The historic San Francisco cathedral hosts a live chamber music program featuring violinist Alicia Yang, violist Caroline Lee and cellist Joyce Yang performing works by Mozart, Strauss and Dohnányi. 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Free, donations encouraged. Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F. 415-777-3211. San Francisco Early Music Society: 'Secret Byrd' Attend a theatrical live concert experience honoring the 400-year legacy of English composer William Byrd. It is set to feature live performances from English vocal ensemble, the Gesualdo Six and Bay Area-based early string ensemble, Wildcat Viols set with dramatic, candlelit stagecraft by Concert Theatre Works. 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, July 17-18. $60-$75. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F. 510-831-3077. Sunset Music and Arts This year, the local concert series housed in a cozy Sunset district venue celebrates its 11-year anniversary. Upcoming performers scheduled include pianist Matt Mangels, mezzo-soprano Nicole Takesono and guitarist Sharon Wayne. 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19; 3 p.m. Aug. 2. Free-$25. Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 1750 29th Ave., S.F. 415-564-2324. Grand Feature Film Orchestra: 'The Hitch-Hiker' Attend a screening of the classic 1953 Ida Lupino film noir crime drama with live orchestral accompaniment. 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20. $15-$45. Marina Theatre, 2149 Chestnut St., S.F. Shenson Faculty Concert Series A summer performance series spotlights the talents of the Community Music Center's faculty. Upcoming performers scheduled include cellist Ben Snellings, Michael Spiro and Juan Carlos Entrambasaguas. 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, Aug. 7 and 14. Free. Community Music Center, 544 Capp St., S.F. 415-647-6015. Grace Cathedral Organ Recital Series Spend an hour enjoying a performance on the cathedral's historic Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. Concerts scheduled include Stefan Madrak and Lauma Akmene. 3 p.m. Aug. 3 and Sept. 7. Free. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F. 415-749-6300. American Bach Soloists: S.F. Bach Festival The festival begins with a series of lectures and master classes Aug. 4-8. The main programming begins on Aug. 6, with daily performance programs featuring works by Bach, Handel, Telemann, Purcell, Vivaldi and others. Featured artists include violinists Elizabeth Blumenstock, harpsichordist Corey Jamason, cellist Joseph Howe and others. The final program will feature members of the 2025 American Bach Academy and the entire American Bach Soloists ensemble. Master classes: 4:30 p.m. Aug. 4-8. Free • Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4-9. 4 p.m. Aug. 10. $20-$65. S.F. Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F. 415-621 7900. San Francisco International Piano Festival: 'Ravel 150' Join San Francisco International Piano Festival founder Jeffrey LaDeur in celebration of the event's eighth year as well as the 150th birthday of Maurice Ravel. Featuring hidden gems and better known works from the composer, it is set to include seven concerts featuring pianists LaDeur, Gwendolyn Mok, Stephen Prutsman, Asiya Korepanova, Paul Sánchez, Sandra Wright Shen and Ariel Chien. The festival offers solo piano as well as small ensemble performances — with sopranos Esther Rayo and Heidi Moss Erickson, mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich, baritone Simon Barrad, violinist Chili Ekman and the Aveta Trio — over the festival's 10 days. Piano master classes from Mok, LaDuer and Sanchez are scheduled at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's grand 11th floor recital hall atop its newest Bowes Center building. Performances: 7 p.m. Aug. 21. $75. Maybeck Studio, 1537 Euclid Ave., Berkeley • 8 p.m. Aug. 22, 29 and 30; 4 p.m. Aug. 24 and 31. Free-$30. Old First Concerts, 1751 Sacramento St., S.F. • 12:30 p.m. Aug. 26. Free. Old St. Mary's Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F. Master classes: 3 p.m. Aug. 26, 28-29. Free. Barbro Osher Recital Hall, Bowes Center, 200 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 877-497-4266. East Bay Pocket Opera: 'La Vie Parisienne' The small-scale opera troupe — founded by Donald Pippin over 45 years ago — has been under the direction of Nicolas Aliaga Garcia since Pippin's death at 95 in 2021. Catch one of the final performances in this year's summer season, Offenbach's 'La Vie Parisienne.' 2 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St., Berkeley • 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View • 2 p.m. July 27, at Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave., S.F. 415-972-8934. West Oakland Sound Series New Performance Traditions and sfSound present a new music and experimental sound series. Upcoming concerts include Lisa Mezzacappa 5(ish), George Rogers - Lorin Benedict Duo, Ernst Karel, the Glitch Bloom, Karl Evangelista, Francis Wong, Jordon Glenn and others. 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 27 and Aug. 3. $10-$25, reservations recommended. Dresher Ensemble Studio, 2201 Poplar St., Oakland. Rootstock Arts Music Series Wyldflowr Arts hosts a weekly live performance series with an emphasis on Indian classical music. Upcoming performances include violinist Arun Ramamurthy, electronics artist Steve McQuarry, percussionist Sameer Gupta, vocalist Jaya Vidyasagar, saxophonist Prasant Radhakrishnan, vocalist Swati Javeri and others. 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 24 and July 31-Aug. 2. Ongoing. $10-$20. Wyldflower, 809 37th St., Oakland. 510-842-5055. Midsummer Mozart Festival Orchestra Celebrate the life and music of Mozart with a program of orchestral works by the prolific composer conducted by Ryan Murray. A Bay Area institution founded in 1974, the festival presents its summer season, featuring piano soloist John Wilson along with other distinguished local artists. 7:30 p.m. July 25. $25-$50. Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley • 6:45 p.m. July 26. $70-$85. Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma • 6:30 p.m. July 27. $40-$90. Mountain Winery Amphitheater, Saratoga. 510-219-0798. Outsound New Music Summit The creation of experimental music, avant-garde musical composition and improvisation are the focus of a three-day new music event that's set to include a genre-bending program, electronics and intermedia works. 7:30 p.m. July 25 and July 27; 6:30 p.m. July 26. $17-$25. Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. 510-845-5352. Calliope: East Bay Music & Art The East Bay series is scheduled to include performances from Destiny Muhammad Trio, Erica and Friends in a program of 'Songs of the British Isles and Ireland.' Singer-songwriters Judi Jaeger and Bob Reid offer ukulele and guitar-driven original pieces. 4 p.m. July 27, Aug. 17 and Sept. 14. $15-$45. Saint Alban's Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Berkeley. Festival Opera Salon Series: 'Baroque Queens' The company will present three salon productions. The first, focused on baroque works, will feature mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz, cellist Joshua Mikus-Mahoney, baroque guitarist Jon Mendle and harpsichordist Zachary Gordin performing works by Monteverdi, Handel, Purcell and others. The second, 'American Song Cycles' features pianist Daniel Lockert and soprano Carrie Hennessey performing works by Jake Heggie and Julia Seeholzer. Program three, 'Bel Canto Forever: Famous Duets for Virtuosic Voices' presents soprano Shawnette Sulker, contralto Sara Couden and pianist Zachary Gordin in a program of works from Rossini, Bellini, Delibes and Meyerbeer. 4 p.m. July 27; Aug. 24 and Sept. 28. $45-$90. Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave., Piedmont. West Edge Opera: Festival 2025 The venerable local opera company's annual summer programming offers Nicolás Lell Benavides' civil rights-focused contemporary work 'Dolores' — including an opening night dinner honoring midcentury labor leader-activist Dolores Huerta. The season continues with Marc-Antoine Charpentier's 1688 Baroque opera, 'David and Jonathan' and Alban Berg's 1922 modern masterwork, 'Wozzeck.' 2 p.m. Aug. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17; 8 p.m. Aug. 9, 14 and 16. $22-$172. Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. 510-841-1903. Cal Performances: Angélique Kidjo and Yo-Yo Ma Vocalist Kidjo and cellist Ma present 'Sarabande Africaine,' with Thierry Vaton, David Donatien and special guest Sinkane, as part of Cal Performances' Illuminations: 'Exile & Sanctuary' programming. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. $65–$285. Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Road, UC Berkeley. 510-642-9988. North Bay Kitka Trio Community Sing Enjoy singing with a trio of Kitka vocalists during a free community program. Singers featured include Kelly Atkins, Kristine Barrett, Janet Kutulas, Maclovia Quintana, Charlotte Finegold and Stacey Barnett. 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Rincon Valley Library, 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa • 2 p.m. July 26. Roseland Library, 70 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa • 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Sonoma Valley Library, 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 510-444-0323. Valley of the Moon Music Festival: 'Liaisons' This esteemed music festival, founded and run by cellist Tanya Tomkins and pianist Eric Zivian, is devoted to chamber music performed on period instruments. Set over three weekends, its 11th season celebrates artistic and personal connections across centuries. An intergenerational lineup of musicians is set to perform works by Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger and others. 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 19; 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, July 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27; 6 p.m. July 25; 11 a.m. July 27. See website for details. $15-$48. Hanna Boys Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. PianoSonoma The Sonoma County summer concert series' 15th season takes place over four evenings and offers wine tastings before each performance. This year's programming includes works by Bach, Piazzolla, world premieres by composer Peter Dugan and a program of works by Ravel in celebration of the composer's 150th birthday. 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, July 15, 17, 22 and 24. $31. Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707-664-4246. Festival Napa Valley The annual summer festival of music, wine and food returns with events at the Culinary Institute of America, Jarvis Conservatory and the Meritage Resort in Napa, Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena, Nickel & Nickel in Oakville, and other locations. Scheduled highlights include the Royal Opera of Versailles performing Donizetti's 'La Fille du Régiment,' a documentary film screening of 'Flicka,' followed by a Q&A with mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, appearances by Jon Batiste, pianist Forrest Eimold performing works by Gordon Getty and more. Through Sept. 1. Individual tickets free-$35; festival passes $3,750-$12,000. Various Napa Valley venues. 707-346-5052. Music in the Vineyards The three-week classical chamber music performance series, set in vineyards and venues around Napa, will kick off with a program titled 'Poetry in Music,' featuring chamber works by Haydn, Schoenberg and Schubert. The Borromeo, Pavone, Ariel and Pacifica string quartets are set to perform weekly evening performances. And its annual interactive concert will feature a program with music by Handel, Mendelssohn with the audience encouraged to play-along with Pachelbel's famous 'Canon.' Various times Aug. 1-24. $10-$400, reservations required. Multiple locations in Napa. 707-258-5559. Music and Minds: Zsigmond Gerlóczy The virtuosic 29-year-old Hungarian pianist will perform a solo concert featuring original works and interpretations of jazz standards in an intimate music salon setting. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16. $85-$92.55. Music and Minds, Kehoe Way, Inverness. South Bay Stanford Live's Summer@Live Formerly known as the Stanford Live Arts Festival, the annual concert series showcases a wide range of musical styles. This year's programming includes the San Francisco Symphony on Thursday, July 10, and July 17, 'Tamasha: An Extravaganza of Desi Fusion' featuring Bollywood performer Raja Kumari on Saturday, July 12, and the 'Imua Hawaii Festival' with Jake Shimabukuro on Saturday, July 19. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10 and 17; 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12, and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19. $35-$105. Frost Amphitheater, Stanford University. 650-724-2464. Schola Cantorum Sing-In Series Learn to sing choral masterworks by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven in a series of summer choir workshops set to be led by local conductors. 7:30 p.m. Monday July 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4 and 11. $25, reservations recommended. Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. 650-254-1700. Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival: 'Constellations: Ensemble Magic' Take a deep dive into the world of chamber music with world-class artists set to perform as part of the nearly monthlong series. Programming will include a variety of concert formats with featured musicians, collaborative programming with rising artists, master classes, lectures and more. Performers scheduled include pianists Gilbert Kalish and Wu Han, cellist David Finckel, violinists Kristin Lee and Benjamin Beilman, violist Masumi Rostad, tenor Nicholas Phan, the Viano String Quartet, and others. Begins Friday, July 18. Through Aug. 9. Free-$90. Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton. 650-330-2030. Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music: 'Colorful and Courageous' For more than 50 years, this annual celebration of contemporary orchestral music in Santa Cruz has been the place to be for new music fans. This summer's lineup, led by Music Director Cristian Macelaru and guest conductor Daniela Candillari, presents new and recent work by composers-in-residence Jake Heggie, John Corigliano, Stacy Garrop, Jennifer Higdon, Rene Orth, Aleksandra Vrebalov and others.
Time Out Dubai
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best dinner with a show: 15 venues in Dubai worth booking
Dinner with a show isn't a new concept, but it is still stealing the spotlight here in Dubai. From incredible live singers to jaw-dropping aerial artists, and dazzling dancers to talented musicians, there's plenty to feast your eyes and ears on while you dig into your dinner. Whether you're planning a special date night or an evening out with your friends, there's something to suit everyone on this stellar line-up. If you've ever wondered what the best dinner shows in Dubai are, you've come to the right place. Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its drinks and meals. For more on the review process click here. The best dinner with a show to book at least once WINNER The Theater Best shows in Dubai. Credit: The Theater The Theater is luxe, extravagant and fabulous – in all the best ways. Hands-down the best dinner show in Dubai, The Theater can be found where the famed Cavalli Club once was, and the centrepiece catwalk-style stage remains, where dancers twirl acrobats and aerial artists twirl high above you as you dine. Dishes are Asian-leaning with oysters, Japanese guacamole, maki rolls and black cod. Get dressed up and make a night of it at The Theater. You definitely won't want to go home until the early hours. A winner for a reason. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'The performances live up to the billing, with beautiful choreography and heart-pounding music. Singers and dancers are talented, like hanging-from-the-ceiling talented.' Check out our full The Theater review here. Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 222 2268). HIGHLY COMMENDED Aretha Credit: Aretha Journey back to the golden era of jazz, funk and Motown with a night out at Aretha, inspired by the queen of soul herself. The white grand piano under an enormous disco ball on the centre stage is a clear indicator of what's to come here – and that's seriously captivating live music and copious razzle-dazzle. Food is excellent, with top picks including grilled sea bass with black olives and cherry tomato confit, caviar pasta and wagyu beef Rossini with foie gras and black truffle, or the classic Dover sole Meunière. As the evening progresses the tempo ramps up and by midnight, you'll find yourself immersed in a club right out of the sixties and seventies, with zero need to head anywhere else. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'In the powerful words of Aretha Franklin, first impressions of the city's newest live music restaurant have our R-E-S-P-E-C-T. It's all lights, charisma, action as you walk through the doors. It's a little – okay, a lot – of razzle-dazzle, before you even take a bite or a sip.' Check out our full Aretha review here. St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, (050 621 0544). Billionaire Dubai Best shows in Dubai. Credit: Billionaire Dubai One of the most established of Dubai's dinner shows Billionaire – from F1 bigwig Flavio Briatore – burst onto the nightlife scene in 2016. Having branches in Monaco and Italy, and now Riyadh and Doha, Billionaire is famed for its Asian-Italian dishes and wow-worthy performances while you dine. Expect dancers, aerial artists, acrobats and more – all of which will have you mesmerised. The food is decent, the vibe is lively and you're sure to have a memorable time. Get ready to twirl those napkins round your head, this is one of the best dinner shows in Dubai. Note: Billionaire Dubai is temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in autumn. Taj Dubai, Business Bay, (056 678 3357). SHORTLISTED Babylon Best shows in Dubai Credit: Babylon Babylon aims to transport diners back to the ancient city of Babylon with its immersive performances and incredible acts, so prepare for one of the best, and extravagant, dinner shows in Dubai. With eye-popping costumes and impressive performances on stage, the venue itself is suitably luxe with red velvet furnishings and moody lighting. The food is high-end too, expect a fusion of East-West with caviar, oysters and tartare, plus lobster linguine and truffle pizza. This is one venue that's sure to wow. Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC, (04 352 7750). Birds Credit: Birds Ultra-glamorous and incredibly entertaining, Birds has had Dubai's party set flocking to its elevated perch in the heart of Downtown Dubai since it opened in February this year. Delight in an extensive, elegant Japanese fusion menu, with Dibba Bay oysters, sushi and sashimi moriawase and black caviar among the highlights as well as a couple of stand-out sharing dishes – the 1.2kg lobster and 1kg Australian wagyu striploin. High-flying artistry combines with world-class DJs to put on a show to remember. Even the mixed drinks are presented with a bit of theatre, and you've got the added bonus of incredible Burj Khalifa views from that 63rd-floor vantage point, too. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, (050 275 4844). DREAM Best shows in Dubai. Credit: DREAM This dinner show in Dubai aptly dreams big when it comes to its productions and performances, bringing you a memorable night out. Found in Address Beach Resort, it's a high-end venue that's a place for special occasions. Expect a fully immersive show with 3D imagery, surround sound, live singers, super dancers and captivating performances. There are 13 different shows – each lasting three to five minutes, and they take place every 15 minutes. This really is one of the best dinner shows in Dubai, as the show really is the focus, although the menu is not to be sniffed at with oysters, caviar, truffle pizza and burrata among the stars on the plate. Address Beach Resort, JBR, (04 220 0224). En Fuego If you like a theme to be executed to the max, then sashay down to En Fuego for a night of Latin American-themed razzmatazz. A carnival of kitsch, the vivid dining room is jam-packed with zany neon signs, piñatas, hats, flowers, llamas and a giant chandelier made of dozens of flamingos. Entertainment gets more risqué as the evening progresses (kids have to leave at 8.30pm) and it's a riotous mix of dancing, mariachi bands, acrobatics and even fire breathing, with performances taking place throughout the venue. There's a set menu for Dhs250 per person which is a pretty good shout, or take your pick from all manner of ceviches, empanadas, tacos, tostadas and so on. You can't go wrong with any of it, though most of your focus will be on the flamboyant acts unfolding in front of you. Shows take place during dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, but our top tip is to book in for Fiesta Fridays, which is an evening brunch with all the entertainment from 9pm to midnight. Thank us later. Atlantis, The Palm, (04 426 2626). J'Adore Credit: J'Adore There's a lot to love at J'Adore. It's a sultry, high-end space, with tables wrapped round a small, illuminated circular stage, and more booths and tables on an elevated level. A rotation of elegant singers, dancers and acrobats perform on the stage and between the tables as you indulge in Nikkei Mediterranean dishes. There's a good selection of raw dishes plus crowd pleasers like spicy beef tenderloin and lobster linguine. By the end of the evening, you'll be up on your feet, brandishing a sparkler or two. Hilton Dubai, Al Habtoor City, (054 465 5515). Josette Credit: Josette This Instagrammable French restaurant in DIFC's IDC Brookfield Place has been social media's dream since opening in 2022. And as well as a charming breakfast and elegant brunch, there's also a dinner show option at this Parisian spot. With singers, cabaret acts and burlesque dancers, this is one of the best dinner shows in Dubai. All marshmallow pinks and plush green furnishings, Josette is pretty as a picture, so add impressive entertainment to that and you've got the makings of a top night out. IDC Brookfield Place, DIFC, (04 275 2522). The Showhouse Credit: The Showhouse A full-stage show, dinner and drinks all wrapped into one tidy, surprisingly accessible price is what you'll get at The Showhouse. Entering through the 'stage door' gives you all those thespian feels before you descend into the Parisian-style cabaret club, adorned with a reckless amount of red velvet. There are three packages to choose from, all with a three-course meal, but with a different quality of view and drinks included (though all are good). The show itself is a singing and dancing extravaganza, with the theme changing quarterly. There's even a Saturday brunch option if you're more of a matinee fan. Time Out Dubai reviewers say: 'The Showhouse, while shiny and fun, is perhaps a more accessible offering than others in the city, ideal for those who want a fun-packed evening with entertainment, food and drinks nestled in a single place at a single price tag.' Check out our full The Showhouse review here. InterContinental Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, @showhousedubai (04 423 8312). More restaurants with shows in Dubai Antika Oriental restaurant and bar Antika is where you should head if you've got visiting guests you want to impress. Inspired by the golden-age glamour of the Orient, this stunning spot features red velvet seats, gold columns and a patterned ceiling. It's opulent, utterly eye-catching and serves hearty Levantine cuisine alongside high energy nights. Every night, the stage is graced by the Middle East's top artists hitting high notes, dancers reinterpreting heritage melodies. Book your spot for their glamorous Saturday brunch and you'll be thinking about returning before the appetisers arrive. 25hours Hotel, @antikadubai (0507359177). Gatsby (Credit: Gatsby Dubai) Gatsby, like the name suggests, is a throwback to the Jazz Age. The loud, lively spot is part supper club, part stage show and has all the markings of the roaring 20s. Perched on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah, Gatsby's dinners with shows feature everything from extravagant dance acts to live vocals that will have you doing double-takes. On the menu, Mediterranean-inspired plates are designed for sharing. Enjoy dishes like crispy calamari, grilled octopus, juicy Angus tenderloin and many more delicious offerings. The night is always young here, so if you're after a party party (that doesn't end at midnight), this is one to book into. West Rooftop Nakheel, The Palm Jumeirah, (04 554 9418). Q's Bar & Lounge So it isn't exactly dinner with a show but we couldn't leave Q's Bar & Lounge off the list. If low-key entertainment is more your vibe Q's Bar & Lounge is for you. Classy and sophisticated, jazz music fills the intimate space as you soak in the vibes. It is no surprise that Q's is a hit as the man behind the bar inside the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel is 28-time Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones. The beverage list is long with many specialty mixed drinks to savour as you soak in the vibe, and with of international acts taking up residencies, it is a must-visit. Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf. (04 556 8865). Scandal Dubai Perched on the 53rd floor of Sheraton Grand Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, this bold late-night spot sets the mood just right with dim lighting, red velvet accents, grand chandeliers, and stunning live entertainment. The restaurant's Latin cuisine really shine in standout dishes like salmon ceviche, duck carnitas and claypot de hongos, which are all as lively and memorable as the show itself. With dazzling performances and sweeping city views (if you manage to snag a seat by the ceiling-to-floor glass windows), it's a night out you won't forget in a hurry. Sheraton Grand Hotel, (056 428 5555). KRASOTA Dubai gastro-theatre Now, if you're looking for a show that's truly out of this world, KRASOTA is where you should be headed. This surreal dining experience serves up jaw-dropping visual art that unfolds around you as you savour a high-quality tasting menu. Chef Vladimir Mukhin's tasting menu is elevated by the spectacular visual effects of the two shows that are on display. Imaginary Art transports you into the worlds of iconic artists, while Imaginary Future lets you explore what life might look like for humanity in the years to come. It's dinner, but not as you know it. The Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, (044331258). Other things to do in Dubai 72 brilliant pool day deals to help you cool down this summer Have some well-earned fun in the sun 39 lively indoor brunches in Dubai to bookmark this summer Save this for all of Dubai's best cool brunching spots Dubai happy hours 2025: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place
NZ Herald
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Beethoven 5 shines in Auckland Philharmonia's popular two-night event
Auckland Philharmonia's Beethoven 5 was one grand meal of a concert, so popular that the orchestra programmed it on two consecutive evenings. Music director Giordano Bellincampi ensured that Rossini's La Cenerentola overture had the tempting tang of the perfect amuse-bouche.
Vancouver Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Listen to classical music and opera outdoors (and for free!) this summer
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Where: Sunset Beach When: Saturday, July 5 at 8 p.m. Info: Where: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby When: Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. Info: Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Where: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby When: Sunday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. Info: Summer is here and Vancouver's two classical home teams are offering you music — free and outdoors. You can think of this as an end-of-the-season dividend, if you like. Both the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera toil indoors from September to June. How wonderful it would be if Vancouver possessed an outdoor venue like Ravinia, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony, or like Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl. Wishing won't make it so, and the unpredictability of weather during our short summer renders such ideas mere pie in the sky. But we do get two mega concerts by the VSO and a sampler from VO during July, the best meteorological bet of summer months in the Pacific Northwest. The VSO kicks things off with Symphony at Sunset, which takes place at Sunset Beach, where sea, mountains and cityscape combine in a spectacular if ephemeral space for music. This year, the program is July 5 with VSO music director Otto Tausk conducting. Each summer, the orchestra tries to produce a something-for-everyone, no-intermission mix of this and that. 2025's version will start with William Rowson's arrangement of The Coast Salish Anthem. Rossini's Overture to the Barber of Seville is next up, followed by a snippet from Bizet, then an excerpt from Michael Conway Baker's music for Vancouver, Through the Lions Gate. Sibelius's Finlandia follows, and then comes a real treat, the first movement of Dvořák's cello concerto with the VSO's wonderful Henry Shapard as soloist. The evening ends with selections from the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises by Hollywood legend John Williams, then the electrifying final moments of Stravinsky's Firebird — music the composer himself conducted here many, many decades ago. The orchestra will reappear on July 12 in Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, on the grand, gently sloping lawn in front of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Conductor Andrew Crust's program is similar but not identical to the Sunset Beach affair, starting once again with Rowson and Rossini. There's selections from Bizet's Carmen, then former Burnaby resident Jared Miller's Buzzer Beater. Miller's got a strong repertoire of more serious works, but his little orchestral sparkler has become that real rarity: a contemporary work everyone loves to hear. Selections from John Williams's, this time from Star Wars and Jurassic Park, end the first half of the program. The second half begins with more music from French opera, the (in)famous Bachanale from Saint-Saens' Samson and Delilah, then music by Joe Hisaishi and more John Williams. A day later at the same site, Vancouver Opera offers its fourth Opera in the Park extravaganza. Here, the practice is just a bit different: Where the VSO offers audiences samples of a whole range of music — soundtracks, pops numbers and, of course, standard classical rep — VO has opted for a sampler of its season to come. With three extraordinarily popular operas slated for production next season, Deer Lake 2025 is devoted to Verdi, Mozart and Puccini. Though the final playlist isn't set at the time of this writing, music director Jacques Lacombe, singers and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra plan to showcase music from Rigoletto, Così fan tutte, and La Bohème. There is, of course, no reserved seating at either outdoor venue, so come early with blankets and cushions and your own selection of food and drink. Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.
Metro
07-05-2025
- Metro
I visited Lake Como and the Italian Riviera — one shines brighter than the other
Ah, Italy. Home of pasta, leaning towers and some of the world's best beaches. There are hundreds of reasons why La Dolce Vita is at the top of almost everyone's bucket list. But with a rich tapestry of destinations boasting an abundance of culture and cuisine, it can be difficult to choose only one. Dozens of Reddit threads are devoted to this conundrum. One of the most popular queries is whether to head for Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, or Lake Como, an upscale resort in the northern region. I stayed at hotels in both to find out where you should spend your time and money sipping limoncello this summer — here is my honest review. Putting two iconic destinations head to head in a Gladiator-esque battle required strict rules of engagement. I needed to stay at hotels of similar standard (both are part of the same R Collection group), and choose activities that could be fairly compared. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. In Lake Como, I checked in to the Grand Hotel Victoria, an imposing lakeside building built in 1890 in Menaggio, an ancient town on the lake's western shore. There are modern interiors and a traditional facade, with polished marble floors and chandeliers decorating the pristine white lobby. On the ground floor is a high-end cocktail bar that serves a Rossini, a prosecco and a fresh strawberry drink that puts Bucks Fizz to shame. Like all luxury hotels in the Como area, the bedroom was spectacular, complete with cotton sheets of a higher thread count than any I've ever slept in, plus a dressing room and a bathroom with the best rainfall shower I've ever experienced. Elegant touches such as a fruit basket and a bouquet of fresh flowers would usually be the first thing I'd gravitate towards. But instead, the massive Juliet balconies had me hooked. The view is the hotel's USP. The price per room is not cheap (standard rooms from £580 in low season, and from an eye-watering £1,078 in high season), but given the location and high-end comforts, in this part of the world it's par for the course. On-site are a range of activities, including cookery classes hosted by friendly staff who managed to teach me how to make fresh pesto and tiramisu, all while sipping on prosecco. No mean feat for someone who once set fire to frozen chicken in a microwave. The hotel has one of the most elegant spas I've seen, with treatments aimed at destressing different parts of your body. A full-body oil massage was the perfect way to untie every knot, and a walk through the reflexology-inspired shower trail with alternating temperatures really got my blood pumping. Outside is a beach club, with private cabanas and sun loungers surrounding a large pool overlooking the lake. Beyond the resort walls, Menaggio is a good base for exploring Como. Characterised by winding narrow streets, the town is less touristy than neighbouring Bellagio or Varenna, both a short boat ride across the water. Menaggio is home to an abundance of swanky restaurants. Local hotspot Darsena serves some of the best pasta I've ever eaten. For lunch, a plate of fresh pasta and wild boar ragu will set you back about £17, much the same as London prices. Check the menu before you sit down, though: in high season, an Aperol Spritz in a central location could force you to remortgage your flat. From the hotel, dozens of shops and bars are within walking distance, as well as ferry boats travelling across the lake to Varenna, a viral Instagram location. One of the most deluged spots is The Hotel Cipressi, where an attractive entranceway known as the 'gates of heaven' draws hordes of influencers each day. Lake Como has never been a hidden gem, but overtourism has intensified in recent years. In April 2024, a tourist tax charging day-trippers a 5 euro entry fee was rolled out. Officials said the tax was designed to reduce overcrowding at peak times, and came in addition to city taxes for overnight stays. I visited in October, at the tail end of the season, which meant many streets were deserted. It's worth planning a trip for the shoulder seasons if you want peace and quiet. Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa: 9/10 Rested and rejuvenated from my time on the lake, I headed three hours south to Portofino, a trendy fishing village in Genoa that's regularly referred to as Italy's most beautiful destination. My digs here were the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort in Rapallo, a maximalist powder pink mansion that looks a lot like The Grand Budapest Hotel. The hotel has been designed so that nearly every room has an unobstructed view of the sea. More casual than its glitzy Lake Como counterpart, the Bristol reminded me of a seaside hotel you might find in Brighton. Lovely, but not high-end. The rooms were attractive but simple, with a blue and yellow colour scheme and a bathroom with wooden fixtures. Nothing too flashy, and the price is reflective of that; standard rooms start from £193 in low season, rising to £354 in high season. Set on a hill and with only two small lifts in the building, the hotel is not accessible. It has a spacious veranda for al fresco dining, cocktails and breakfast in the sun, as well as a rooftop fine dining restaurant called Le Cupole with sweeping ocean views. A fun (if a bit kitsch) touch is the Campari-inspired bar, with bold red leather couches and huge abstract paintings. A spa on the lower levels has a huge outdoor pool that's a great place to cosy up with a book. The hotel also has a tiny art gallery that's open to the public and promotes the work of local artists. Beyond the resort, Portofino is a short car ride or ferry boat away. It's easy to get into the town, where hotel prices are a lot more expensive. Exploring the town, I enjoyed a cappuccino at the Dolce and Gabbana shop, then ate an excellent lunch at Ristorante Da I Gemelli. The sole in butter and 'Grandmother's pasta' were standouts, but they don't come cheap. When I visited last year, a bowl of fish soup was an eye-watering £34. For the best view in town, head to Castello Brown, the fortress of San Giorgio, high on the cliffside. The panorama is beautiful, but like everything in Portofino, it will cost you. (£4.25 in low season and £6.80 in high.) Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa: 7/10 Looking back, my fondest memories are all in Lake Como. The hotel was swankier, but with sky-high prices in both destinations, it also felt better value for money. The sea views in Portofino and Rapallo were stunning, but Como had the edge (my incessant Instagram posting acts as testimony). There's plenty to do in both, but Menaggio had more variety, and it felt like normal life was going on there — less a faux bubble of luxury tourism. In Como, too, expensive drinks were accompanied by proper aperitivi of crisps, olives, and sometimes even arancini. In Portofino, the drinks were just as pricey without the 'free' snacks on the side. More Trending If you're debating between the two, opt for Lake Como. It's larger, has more to explore, and is more upfront about the designer price tag that it proudly wears. Laura Harman was a guest of R Collection. Rooms at the Grand Hotel Victoria in Lake Como start from £580 in low season, and from £1,078 in high season. At the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort in Rapallo, rooms start from £192 in low season, rising to £353 in high season. MORE: Venice's food is tasteless, but I know a European city that does it right MORE: The 'Paris of the East' is an underrated gem that costs £40 to fly to MORE: Who could be the next Pope? Conclave to name Francis' successor begins at Vatican
