REVIEWS
in chronological order
"Tam was responsible for much of the major activity in all four of the trios. He brought a refreshing panache to all four of the trios, perhaps even adding an improvisatory turn or two to some of his solo passages."
Two Decades of Early Piano Trios from SFEMS," The Rehearsal Studio, September 2019
Two Decades of Early Piano Trios from SFEMS," The Rehearsal Studio, September 2019
"Conducting from the harpsichord, Derek Tam led the ten-piece orchestra that included first and second violins, viola, cellos, and theorbo. Although they were few in number, their sound was dynamic and they gave listeners the feeling of being in an intimate 18th century chamber where only the elite could listen to great music. Maestro Tam brought out the lyrical beauty, the unending tension, and the strong dramatic lines of Porta’s opera allowing the ODC audience to enjoy a very special musical treat."
"Ars Minerva 2018-19 Review: Ifigenia in Aulide — A Strong Rendition of an Unknown Work by Giovanni Porta," OperaWire, December 2018
"Ars Minerva 2018-19 Review: Ifigenia in Aulide — A Strong Rendition of an Unknown Work by Giovanni Porta," OperaWire, December 2018
The most exciting element of the evening was the chamber orchestra conducted from the harpsichord by Derek Tam. They were so good, relaxed, and tireless."
"Ifigenia in Aulide," SF Civic Center Blog, December 2018
"Ifigenia in Aulide," SF Civic Center Blog, December 2018
"Derek Tam led the excellent small orchestra, consisting of harpsichord, strings, and theorbo, from the keyboard."
"Ars Minerva Produces a Winning Revival of Ifigenia in Aulide," San Francisco Classical Voice, December 2018
"Ars Minerva Produces a Winning Revival of Ifigenia in Aulide," San Francisco Classical Voice, December 2018
"That makes it all the more remarkable that Friday’s performance, with a cast of strong singers and a small, scrappy string ensemble, led from the harpsichord by conductor Derek Tam, could present such a powerful case for this unknown piece. Porta may not have been one of the greats of his day, but the writing here is lithe and imaginative, and the production presented it in the best possible light."
"With ‘Ifigenia,’ SF company unearths an 18th century gem," San Francisco Chronicle, December 2018
"With ‘Ifigenia,’ SF company unearths an 18th century gem," San Francisco Chronicle, December 2018
"Derek Tam, the de facto Ars Minerva music director who has led all the past productions, led an effective reading of the score that kept the evening moving, while also functioned as the harpsichordist."
"A Little Priestess," parterre box, December 2018
"A Little Priestess," parterre box, December 2018
"Derek Tam [was the Costanoan Trio's] fortepianist of the beguiling fingers... The trio exhibited artistic personality and musical excellence; there can be little doubt about its path to success."
"Early Music America concerts display talents of young, emerging artists," Bloomington Herald-Times, May 2018
"Early Music America concerts display talents of young, emerging artists," Bloomington Herald-Times, May 2018
"Derek Tam used his experience as a harpsichord virtuoso to clarify the notes in the [F minor prelude and fugue]."
"24 Pianists Playing Bach," SF Civic Center Blog, March 2018
"24 Pianists Playing Bach," SF Civic Center Blog, March 2018
"Most striking about a [Voices of Music] concert is the restrained, almost casual virtuosity of its players...Derek Tam do[es] fantastic whirlwind things on the harpsichord."
"Voices of Music: Rare Beauty From Paris", San Francisco Classical Voice, January 2018
"Voices of Music: Rare Beauty From Paris", San Francisco Classical Voice, January 2018
"[C]onductor and keyboardist Tam led the way in a limber and steady reading of the score."
"Ars Minerva Summons a Circe From 17th-Century Venice", San Francisco Classical Voice, September 2017
"Ars Minerva Summons a Circe From 17th-Century Venice", San Francisco Classical Voice, September 2017
"Conductor Derek Tam led Ars Minerva’s eight-piece orchestra, which consisted of theorbo, two violins, cello, two trumpets, harpsichord and percussion. The string players, especially the theorbist and harpsichordist, showed fabulous musical skills."
"Amazons Enchant San Francisco," Opera Today, May 2016
"Amazons Enchant San Francisco," Opera Today, May 2016
"Not only was the singing first rate but the small orchestra was excellent, led by Derek Tam on harpsichord."
"The Amazons in the Fortunate Isles," SF Civic Center Blog, May 2016
"The Amazons in the Fortunate Isles," SF Civic Center Blog, May 2016
"A small complement of period instruments was led deftly from the harpsichord by conductor Derek Tam."
Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, May 2016
Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, May 2016
"Tam is clearly a master of [the harpsichord], and his enthusiasm for it is infectious...
"In the finale, Tam demonstrated that the instrument, despite lacking a wide dynamic range, can create concert-closing excitement."
"Elevate Ensemble and the Return of the Harpsichord," San Francisco Classical Voice, February 2016
"In the finale, Tam demonstrated that the instrument, despite lacking a wide dynamic range, can create concert-closing excitement."
"Elevate Ensemble and the Return of the Harpsichord," San Francisco Classical Voice, February 2016
"Giving a bright, committed performance...was harpsichord virtuoso Derek Tam, who was magnificent all evening long."
"Modern Harpsichord Music with Elevate Ensemble," SF Civic Center Blog, March 2016
"Modern Harpsichord Music with Elevate Ensemble," SF Civic Center Blog, March 2016
"As played by Derek Tam, Les Graces offered shimmering textures, while La Félix evoked the image of a man striding purposefully forward, with the music almost galumphing along."
"Music of Versailles at St. Mark's Church in Berkeley," Berkeley Daily Planet, November 2015
"Music of Versailles at St. Mark's Church in Berkeley," Berkeley Daily Planet, November 2015
"Derek Tam’s Baroque players filled the space with gorgeous sound."
"Ars Minerva presents Castrovillari’s La Cleopatra in San Francisco," Opera Today, March 2015
"Ars Minerva presents Castrovillari’s La Cleopatra in San Francisco," Opera Today, March 2015
