Performer: Chen-Ye Yuan

James Robinson's production of Adams' Nixon in China hits its stride at San Diego Opera. 

After delivering two highly lauded performances at Carnegie Hall in May, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra returned to New York City on Sunday afternoon, taking the stage at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall to commence the 2013 Beijing Modern Music Festival.

It’s difficult to believe that the current run of John Adams’ Nixon in China at the San Francisco Opera marks the opera’s local premiere. Adams is not only one of the leading composers of his generation, but he is also a celebrated local hero.