Marnie Breckenridge

Alumni Recital Series ∙ Soprano Marnie Breckenridge ('96) has won acclaim not just for her diamond-bright coloratura but for her nuanced portrayals of the repertoire's most demanding roles, from Donizetti's tragic Lucia to Bernstein's wily Cunegonde. She is joined by pianist Kristin Pankonin ('89) in a recital featuring Barber, Strauss and the Bay Area's best contemporary vocal composers including Jake Heggie, Henry Mollicone, Jack Perla and the Conservatory's own David Conte and David Garner.

Saturday, January 19, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, $20/$15.....

William Sharp

Master Class ∙ Baritone William Sharp has won praise in The New York Times for his ability to "evoke the special character of every song his sings." His vocal mastery spans genres from art song to oratorio and contemporary opera. Sharp shares his gift for breathing life into repertoire with Conservatory students in a free master class open to the public.

Monday, January 21, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall, free
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Scott Foglesong

Faculty Artist Series ∙ The great Romantic composers are rightly known for the sweep of their symphonies. In his recital "The Art of the Romantic Miniature," however, pianist Scott Foglesong reveals how these masters manage to pack just as much punch in smaller works. A sought-after lecturer and writer and chair of the Conservatory's music theory and musicianship department, Foglesong rolls up his sleeves at the keyboard to illuminate works by Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, Debussy and Scriabin.

Sunday, January 27, 2 p.m., Concert Hall, $20/$15.....

Voice Concerto Competition Finals ∙ Students from the Conservatory's voice department put their best foot forward in this annual competition, vying for the opportunity to perform a large-scale work with the Conservatory Orchestra. Judges include artistic staff and administrators from the San Francisco Opera.

Wednesday, January 30, 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall, free