laughter] >> tonight a handful of local singers are getting the rare opportunity to perform for barbara bonneyone of the world's most gifted concert artists. [applause] [ singing ] >> barbara's performed at opera houses around the world and made more than 90 recordings spanning baroque through 20th century music. this week she is in san francisco for a recital at the herbst theatre. >> ruth felt: barbara bonney is a soprano. she is primarily dedicated to the song repertory. she also is an opera singer, and she is clearly a celebrated one. but in terms of her first love, it is the song repertoire, and this is done in an intimate theater with the artist on stage alone with a pianist. and it's very concentrated, so it has the most, i think,