Haydn: Harmoniemesse
Vance George, Director of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, conducted 200 voices and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in fine performances … intonation, balances and dynamic control were admirable, and the sprit of the work carried through triumphantly.
New York Times
Orff: Carmina burana
This is the finest digital recording yet of Orff’s splendid celebration of the joys of springtime fecundity …
Gramophone
Brahms: Ein deutches Requiem
Glorious chorus … Once or twice every season it becomes necessary simply to sit and marvel in awe and gratitude, at the greatness of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus.
San Francisco Chronicle
Prokofiev: Ivan the Terrible
The singing of Vance George’s Symphony Chorus was simply amazing and always musically heartfelt.
American Record Guide
Verdi: Messa da requiem
Terror … awe … serenity … especially by the extraordinary … San Francisco Symphony Chorus in its final outing under director Vance George … Dies irae exploded off the stage in balls of hellfire.
San Francisco Chronicle
Wagner: Der fliegende Hollander
Vance George’s magnificently prepared chorus caroused (men) and gathered yarn (women) as they delivered their extended assignments in impeccable German.
Opera news
Beethoven: Fidelio
Beethoven’s theater music … represented by King Stephen’s incidental music offered by the excellent San Francisco Symphony Chorus … also excelled in Fidelio.
American Record Guide
Album: Voices 1900/2000
No one listening to this impressive compilation of 20th Century music could doubt that the ensemble ranks among the best in the country … all of it sung with the kind of expressive intensity and unanimity of spirit that have become the group’s fingerprint.
San Francisco Chronicle
Mahler: Das klagende lied
The Chorus, beautifully trained by Vance George, made massive sounds with pointed precision.
Opera News
Mahler: Symphony No. 8
George’s firm and insightful leadership has instilled technical precision and artistic sensitivity…the combination of clarity and tonal robustness is something to behold.
San Francisco Chronicle
Stravinsky: Pérsephone
The night belonged to the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, which sang Stravinsky’s luminous chords with unforced precision and tender strength.
Newsday
Handel: Messiah
The most consistently strong contributions came from the Chorus, in a reminder of just how skilled and responsive an ensemble this has become under George’s leadership.
San Francisco Chronicle