2011–2012 Performances by Month
Click on the performance name or photo to see full information on the performance.
Family Matinee
Saturday, October 1
11am
Herbst Theatre
$10 Children/$15 Adults
Program
San Francisco's own ensemble brings a program of beautiful, classic works while showcasing the chemistry and fun of collaborative music-making.
Salon at the Rex
Adam Shulman, piano
Jack Riordan, guitar
John Wiitala, bass
Wednesday, October 5
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
The Salon series opens with a tribute to Nat King Cole, the jazz pianist and innovator. Cole’s revolutionary piano-guitar-bass trio exhibited the sly wit and fleet-footed pulse of swing at its most sophisticated, and this evening’s performance revives the combo with pianist Adam Schulman, guitarist Jack Riordan and bassist John Wiitala.
Warren Jones, piano
Thursday, October 13
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
JAMES LEGG: Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson
SAMUEL BARBER: Three Songs, Op. 10
Songs of Tin Pan Alley
Encore:
JOPLIN: Maple Leaf Rag (Mr. Jones)
ROBERT LOWRY: How Can I Keep from Singing (Ms. Blythe)
FOSTER: Beautiful Dreamer (Ms. Blythe and Mr. Jones)
Featuring Leah Crocetto, soprano and Tamara Sanikidze, piano
Friday, October 14
6pm
The City Club
6pm Cocktails
7pm Dinner, Live Auction and Performance
Be part of the glamour and excitement of San Francisco Performances' 32nd season launch through this sparkling gala benefitting our Arts Education programs in Bay Area schools and more. With cocktail hour, dinner, live auction and a thrilling performance, this will be an event to remember.
TICKETS START AT $400.
For more information about this special event, call 415.677.0326.
NOTE: The Gala may not be purchased as part of a Make-Your-Own series or added onto a Fixed series.
Salon at the Rex
Wednesday, October 19
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
Lean Crocetto is winning fans around the world, lately representing the US in the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. This fall she makes her debut as Liu in San Francisco Opera’s Turandot, and returns to the Salon series with another marvelous program of art songs and torch songs.
Malcolm Martineau, piano
Thursday, October 27
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
Songs by MAHLER, R. STRAUSS, DEBUSSY, DUPARC and BUTTERWORTH
Encore:
SCHUBERT: Der Einsame, D800
IRELAND: Sea Fever
PERCY GRAINGER: Sprig of Thyme
SCHUBERT: An Mein Klavier, D342
Berkeley Series
Bartók and Kodály
4 Saturdays
October 29 and December 3, 10 & 17
10am
St. John's Presbyterian Church
$37
Program
Program 1, October 29
BARTÓK: String Quartet No. 1
KODÁLY: String Quartet No. 1
Program 2, December 3
BARTÓK: String Quartet No. 2
KODÁLY: String Quartet No. 2
Program 3, December 10
BARTÓK: String Quartets Nos. 3 and 4
Program 4, December 17
BARTÓK: String Quartet Nos. 5 and 6
Guitar Series presented in association with Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts
Saturday, October 29
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $45/$38/$30
Program
Works by J.S. Bach, G. Regondi, F. Chopin, R. Sainz de la Maza, J. Rodrigo, M. de Falla, A.C. Jobin and J. Jirmal
Encore:
RODRIGUEZ: La Cumparsita
TARREGA: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
The Fred Hersch Ensemble
Michael Winther, actor/singer
Sunday, October 30
7pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $52/$40/$30
Program
My Coma Dreams
Animation and Graphic Design by Sarah Wickliffe
Conceived, Written and Directed by Herschel Garfein
Featuring musicians from India
Tuesday, November 1
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $50/$40/$35
Program
Swayambhu
The Shenson Piano Series is made possible by Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation
Support this performance as a Concert Partner, call 415.677.0336
Wednesday, November 2
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
BERG: Piano Sonata
LISZT: Piano Sonata
HAMELIN:
Theme and Variations (Cathy’s Variations) (2007) [World premiere]
Variations on a theme of Paganini (2011) [North American premiere]
Etude #8—Erlkönig (2007)
Etude #11-Minuetto (2009)
Etude#12—Prelude and Fugue (1986)
Encore:
LEONID SABANEYEV: Prelude No. 5, Op. 10
Salon at the Rex
Wednesday, November 9
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
This young Adler Fellow has the opera world on its ear, but it’s no surprise: four years ago the New York Times declared, “At 19, the soprano Nadine Sierra is a seasoned performer.” The extraordinary talent and presence of this young singer will deeply impress.
Encore:
POULENC: Les chemins de l’amour
Friday and Saturday
November 11–12
8pm
Novellus Theater at YBCA
Premium $50/$40/$35
Program
Entity
The Shenson Piano Series is made possible by Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation
Saturday, November 12
1:30–4:30pm (Please note change in time)
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall
Premium $60/$35
Program
SHOSTAKOVICH: 24 Preludes and Fugues
Berkeley Series
Bartók and Kodály
4 Saturdays
October 29 and December 3, 10 & 17
10am
St. John's Presbyterian Church
$37
Program
Program 1, October 29
BARTÓK: String Quartet No. 1
KODÁLY: String Quartet No. 1
Program 2, December 3
BARTÓK: String Quartet No. 2
KODÁLY: String Quartet No. 2
Program 3, December 10
BARTÓK: String Quartets Nos. 3 and 4
Program 4, December 17
BARTÓK: String Quartet Nos. 5 and 6
Family Matinee
Sunday, December 4
11am
Herbst Theatre
$10 Children/$15 Adults
Program
Don't miss a special holiday concert of the songs of 1930s Paris. A festive foray into jazz.
Mark Steinberg, violin
Serena Canin, violin
Misha Amory, viola
Nina Lee, cello
Sunday, December 4
7pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
Fragments: Connecting Past and Present
Living composers engage with unfinished works by other composers.
WUORINEN: Marian Tropes (2010)
SCHUBERT: Quartet in C minor, D703 (unfinished)
Allegro assai
Andante (fragment)
ADOLPHE: Fra(nz)g-mentation (2010)
BACH: Contrapunctus XVIII (unfinished) from The Art of Fugue
GUBAIDULINA: Reflections on the Theme B-A-C-H (2002)
HAYDN: Quartet in D minor, Opus 103
Andante grazioso
Menuet ma non troppo presto
HARBISON: Finale: Presto (2011)
SHOSTAKOVICH: Quartet movement
Allegretto
HARTKE: From the Fifth Book (2011)
MOZART: Quartet fragment in E minor, K417d
IYER: Mozart Effects (2011)
Martin Katz, piano
Tuesday, December 6
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
FRANCIS POULENC: Banalités (Apollinaire) (1940)
CLAUDE DEBUSSY: Cinq Poèmes de Baudelaire (1887–90)
AULIS SALINEN: Neljä laulua unesta (Four Dream Songs) (Haavikko) (1972)
JOSEPH MARX: Nocturne (Hartleben); Waldseligkeit (Dehmel); Selige Nacht (Hartleben); Valse de Chopin (Giraud); Hat dich die Liebe berührt (Heyse)
Encore:
LOEWE: I Could Have Danced All Night
FINNISH FOLK SONG (arr. Ralf Gothóni): Minun kultani kaunis on
The Shenson Piano Series is made possible by Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation
Friday, December 9
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
C.P.E. BACH: Sonata in A minor; Rondo in C minor
BRAHMS: Klavierstücke, Op. 119
BEETHOVEN: Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 110
SCHUBERT: Sonata in D Major, D. 850
Encore:
MOZART: Rondo in D Major, K485
Guitar Series presented in association with Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts
Saturday, December 10
8pm
Marines' Memorial Theatre
Premium $45/$38/$30
Program
F. SOR: Fantasie No. 7, Opus 30
A. CARLEVARO: Preludios Americanos
G. MONTAÑA: Three Pieces
C. CHÁVEZ: Three pieces for guitar
J.K. MERTZ: Four pieces from Bardenklänge
E. DENISOV: Sonata
Salon at the Rex
Axel Strauss, violin
Jean-Michel Fonteneau, cello
Jeffrey Sykes, piano
Wednesday, December 14
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
Now calling San Francisco home, German violinist Axel Strauss, French cellist Jean-Michel Fonteneau and American pianist Jeffrey Sikes embody the idea of dialogue in chamber music in their newly formed trio.
Encore:
PIAZOLLA: Primavera Porteña, from Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
San Francisco Series
Schubert
4 Saturdays
January 14 & 28, February 18 and May 5
10am
Herbst Theatre
$48/$40/$25
Program
Program 1, January 14
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 8 in B-flat Major, String Quartet No. 11 in E Major, String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, Quartettsatz
Program 2, January 28
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 13 in A minor, Rosamunde, String Quartet in D minor, Death and the Maiden
Program 3, February 18
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 15 in G Major
Program 4, May 5
SCHUBERT: String Quintet in C Major with guest artist David Requiro, cello
Malcolm Martineau, piano
Event Rescheduled from 2010–2011 Season
Not Part of Vocal Series—Tickets may be purchased as a subscription add-on, as part of a Make-Your-Own Series or as single tickets.
Thursday, January 19
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
FAURÉ: Cinq Mélodies de Venise, Op. 58
SCHUMANN: Two Venetian Songs from Mythen, Op. 25
SCHUBERT: Der Gondelfahrer, D809
MENDELSSOHN: Venetianisches Gondellied, Op. 57, No. 5
HAHN: Venezia: Six chansons en dialecte vénitien
SCHUBERT: Three Rückert Lieder; Drei Lieder (Metastasio), D902
MAHLER: Rückert Lieder
Guitar Series presented in association with Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts
Friday, January 27
8pm
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall
Premium $40/$30
Program
OURKOUZOUNOV: Sonata No.1
IVANOVIC: Sonata
TELEMANN: Fantasia No.1 (arr. C. Marchione)
BARRIOS: Preludio, Caazapá, Choro de Saudade
BOGDANOVIC: Fantasy (Hommage à M. Ohana) U.S. Premiere
PIAZZOLLA: Invierno Porteño (arr. S. Assad), Adios Nonino (arr. C. Tirao)
BOGDANOVIC: Six Balkan Miniatures
Stephen Prutsman, piano
Support this performance as a Concert Partner, call 415.677.0336
Saturday, January 28
8pm
Note: This concert has been rescheduled for:
Sunday, April 1
7pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
Songs by PURCELL, DOWLAND, BACH, HAYDN, BARTÓK, DEBUSSY, SCHUBERT, SCHUMANN, RACHMANINOFF, RUTH CRAWFORD SEEGER, RICHARD RODGERS and DONNACHA DENNEHY
Andrius Zlabys, piano
Sunday, January 29
2pm
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall
$37
Program
DEBUSSY: Sonata
PIAZZOLLA: Le Grand Tango
VISCONTI: Americana
BRAHMS: Sonata in F Major
Encore:
ZLABYS: Passacaglia
Sabine Meyer
Reiner Wehle
Wolfgang Meyer
Support this performance as a Concert Partner, call 415.677.0336
Wednesday, February 1
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
MOZART: Three Arias from The Marriage of Figaro; Divertimento No. 1; Four Arias from Cosi fan Tutte
POULENC: Sonata for 2 Clarinets
STRAVINSKY: Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo
J.S. BACH: French Suite No. 5
C.P.E. BACH: Duet in C Major
Encore:
Don Giovanni: Riposate, vezzose ragazze
with Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano
and Jake Heggie, composer/pianist
Zakarias Grafilo, violin
Frederick Lifsitz, violin
Paul Yarbrough, viola
Sandy Wilson, cello
This performance is part of the Chamber Series, but can be added to a subscription series or Make-Your-Own subscription for 10% off the regular ticket price.
Saturday, February 4
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $70/$55/$45
Program
DEBUSSY: String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 (1893)
HAHN: Venezia (1901)
JAKE HEGGIE: Camille Claudel: Into the Fire (2012)—World Premiere
Encore:
STRAUSS: Morgen!
The Shenson Piano Series is made possible by Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation
Thursday, February 9
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
HAYDN: Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI: 20
BARTÓK: Suite, Op. 14
DEBUSSY: Images, Book 1
CHOPIN: Waltz, Op. 70, No. 2 in F minor; Waltz Op. 70, No. 1 in Gb Major; Waltz, Op. 70, No.3 in Db Major; Ballade No. 3; Waltz, Op. 42 in Ab Major; Nocturne, Op. 62, No. 1; Ballad No. 1
Salon at the Adagio
Ben Brussell, mandolin
Candy Sanderson, violin
Katrina Wreede, viola
Alex Kelly, cello
Wednesday, February 15
6:30pm
Hotel Adagio
$20
Program
This unusual foursome brings together three traditional instruments of the string quartet with the mandolin, infusing the chamber music approach with modern and folk sounds. With music ranging from the Baroque to Americana, you will be charmed by this unique combination of voices.
San Francisco Series
Schubert
4 Saturdays
January 14 & 28, February 18 and May 5
10am
Herbst Theatre
$48/$40/$25
Program
Program 1, January 14
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 8 in B-flat Major, String Quartet No. 11 in E Major, String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, Quartettsatz
Program 2, January 28
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 13 in A minor, Rosamunde, String Quartet in D minor, Death and the Maiden
Program 3, February 18
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 15 in G Major
Program 4, May 5
SCHUBERT: String Quintet in C Major with guest artist David Requiro, cello
Saturday, February 18
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $52/$40/$30
Program
Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread
Family Matinee
Sunday, February 19
11am
Herbst Theatre
$10 Children/$15 Adults
Program
The acclaimed jazz violinist traveled throughout Africa to explore folk melodies. Here, she mixes tradition with her original improvisations to create a new world of sound.
Support the February 25th performance as a Concert Partner, call 415.677.0336
Thursday–Saturday
February 23–25
8pm
Novellus Theater at YBCA
Premium $60/$50/$35
Program
Max
Pierre Colombet, violin
Gabriel Le Magadure, violin
Mathieu Herzog, viola
Raphaël Merlin, cello
Thursday, March 8
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
MOZART: String Quartet in D minor, K. 421
BORODIN: String Quartet No. 2 in D Major
RAVEL: String Quartet in F Major
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
Lina Tetrani, soprano
Wednesday, March 14
(Please note this performance date has changed from March 13 to March 14)
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
AUERBACH: Last Letter for voice, cello and piano; Sonata for Cello and Piano; 24 Preludes for Piano
Salon at the Rex
Meng Su
Yameng Wang
Wednesday, March 21
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
Seamlessly blending two individual talents, the Beijing Guitar Duo is already making its mark in the guitar world. Meng Su and Yameng Wang are San Francisco Performances’ newest resident artists.
The Shenson Piano Series is made possible by Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation
Tuesday, March 27
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
KURTÁG: Selections from Játékok (Games)
SCHUMANN: Selections from Bunte Blätter
KURTÁG: Splinters
LISZT: Unstern! Sinistre; Les jeux d'eaux à la Villa d'Este
DEBUSSY: Preludes Book II
Ute Lemper, vocals
Tim Vogler, violin
Frank Reinecke, violin
Stefan Fehlandt, viola
Stephan Forck, cello
Stefan Malzew, clarinet and piano
Saturday, March 31
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $70/$55/$45
Program
SCHULHOFF, EISLER, WEILL, PIAF, BREL, SATIE and PIAZZOLLA
Encore:
WEILL: Speak Low
Sunday, April 1
2pm
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall
$37
Program
CLEMENTI: Sonata in F-sharp minor, Op. 25, No. 5
SCHUBERT: Four Impromptus, Op. 90
RACHMANINOFF: Variations on a theme by Corelli
BALAKIREV: Islamey
Encores:
MARCELLO: (arr. BACH) Oboe Concerto in D minor
BACH: (arr. RACHMANINOV) Gavotte from Partita No. 3 in E Major
Stephen Prutsman, piano
Support this performance as a Concert Partner, call 415.677.0336
Saturday, January 28
8pm
Note: This concert has been rescheduled for:
Sunday, April 1
7pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
Songs by PURCELL, DOWLAND, BACH, HAYDN, BARTÓK, DEBUSSY, SCHUBERT, SCHUMANN, RACHMANINOFF, RUTH CRAWFORD SEEGER, RICHARD RODGERS and DONNACHA DENNEHY
Vijay Iyer, piano
Stephan Crump, bass
Marcus Gilmore, drums
Saturday, April 7
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $52/$40/$30
Program
Program to be announced from the stage.
Guitar Series presented in association with Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts
Sunday, April 8
7pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $55/$45/$35
Program
BACH and more
Encore:
GILLIAN WELCH: Dear Someone
Salon at the Rex
Wednesday, April 11
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
An intimate salon is the perfect setting to experience Bach’s Cello Suites. Virtuoso performer Tanya Tomkins shares her “characterful and heartfelt” interpretation of a selection on the Baroque cello.
Irvine Arditti, violin
Ashot Sarkissjan, violin
Ralf Ehlers, viola
Lucas Fels, cello
Support this performances as a concert partner, call 415.677.0326
Thursday, April 12
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
BEETHOVEN: Grosse Fuge, Op. 133
BERG: String Quartet, Op. 3
ADÈS: Four Quarters
BARTÓK: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major
Annual Gift Concert
Monday, April 16
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $25
Program
BERIO: Sequenza VIII
J.S. BACH: Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
VON BIBER: Passacaglia in G minor, from the Mystery (Rosary) Sonatas
BARTÓK: Sonata for Solo Violin
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Monday, April 23
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $68/$55/$38
Program
MAHLER: Ich atment' einen linden Duft; Wo die schönen Trompeten blasen; Es sungen drei Engel; Das irdische Leben; Nun seh' ich wohl, warum so dunkle Flammen; Wenn dein Mütterlein; Urlicht; Ich bin de Welt abhanden gekommen; Revelge; and Der Tamboursg'sell
SHOSTAKOVICH: Morning, Op. 145, No. 2; Separation, Op. 145, No. 4; Night, Op. 145, No. 9; Eternity, Op. 145, No. 11; Dante, Op. 145, No. 6; and Death, Op. 145, No. 10
Salon at the Rex
Laura Albers, violin
Julie Albers, cello
Wednesday, April 25
6:30pm
Hotel Rex
$20
Program
The string duo repertoire is filled with gems, often written for family members performing together before friends. Sisters Laura (violin) and Julie (cello) Albers bring to a close the season of strings with works by Kodaly, Gliere and Martinu.
Family Matinee
Sunday, April 29
11am
Marines’ Memorial Theatre
$10 Children/$15 Adults
Program
To see Edgar Meyer with his double bass is to witness how music-making can become a dance. A great performer who also writes his own compositions, Edgar will share with your family his love of music, from Bach to bluegrass.
Maryanne Kim, piano
Sunday, April 29
2pm
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall
$37
Program
MOMPOU: Combat del Somni
STRAUSS: Das Rosenband, Opus 36, No. 1; Wiegenlied, Opus 41, No. 1; Ruhe, meine Seele, Opus 27, No. 1; Morgen! Opus 27, No. 4; Cäcilie, Opus 27, No. 2
BARBER: Hermit Songs, Opus 29
MUHLY: The Adulteress
San Francisco Series
Schubert
4 Saturdays
January 14 & 28, February 18 and May 5
10am
Herbst Theatre
$48/$40/$25
Program
Program 1, January 14
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 8 in B-flat Major, String Quartet No. 11 in E Major, String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, Quartettsatz
Program 2, January 28
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 13 in A minor, Rosamunde, String Quartet in D minor, Death and the Maiden
Program 3, February 18
SCHUBERT: String Quartet No. 15 in G Major
Program 4, May 5
SCHUBERT: String Quintet in C Major with guest artist David Requiro, cello
Free to subscribers (subject to availability)—you must call to reserve your space.
Wednesday, May 9
7:30pm
Herbst Theatre
$25
Program
Beethoven Lecture
Friday and Saturday
May 18–19
8pm
Novellus Theater at YBCA
Premium $50/$40/$35
Program
Three Theories
Family Matinee
Saturday, May 19
2pm
Novellus Theater at YBCA
$10 Children/$15 Adults
Program
Karole Armitage's reputation as "punk ballerina" rose from her edgy interpretations of classical dance. Her company of dancers brings incredible energy and focus to the stage in dynamic choreography.
Robert Levin, fortepiano
Saturday, May 19, 8pm
Sunday, May 20, 7pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
BEETHOVEN:
May 19
Variations on a Theme from Judas Maccabeus; Cello Sonata in F Major; 12 Variations in F on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" from Die Zauberflöte; Horn Sonata (transcribed for cello); Cello Sonata in A Major
May 20:
7 Variations on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" from Die Zauberflöte; Cello Sonata in G minor; Cello Sonata in C Major; Cello Sonata in D Major
Alexander Melnikov, piano
Wednesday, May 30
8pm
Herbst Theatre
Premium $60/$50/$38
Program
BEETHOVEN: Sonata in D Major, Op. 12, No. 1; Sonata in A Major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer"; Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3; Sonata in G Major, Op. 96, No. 10
You can create a Make-Your-Own Series by choosing six or more performances from our entire season. Make-Your-Own Series are not available online—please call 415.398.6449.
