Artelize - Bach Extravaganza in Berkeley and Beyond: A Season of Unmissable Performances
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Bach Extravaganza in Berkeley and Beyond: A Season of Unmissable Performances

Prepare for a season of exceptional musical performances in Berkeley and the Bay Area, celebrating the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Kicking off on October 20, 2024, at Hertz Hall, witness the unparalleled collaboration of Tessa Lark, Joshua Roman, and Edgar Meyer. The musical journey continues with Leonidas Kavakos at Zellerbach Hall on November 15 and 16, performing Bach’s Complete Sonatas and Partitas. Igor Levit enchants on November 19 with a profound recital including Bach’s Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue. Further highlights include Maxim Vengerov and Polina Osetinskaya on November 23, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra's 'A Bach Christmas' in December, and more standout events featuring the Takács Quartet with Jeremy Denk, Benjamin Beilman with Steven Osborne, and a Baroque dance celebration in 'Tout de Suite'.

Sep 5, 2024
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1. Tessa Lark, violin Joshua Roman, cello Edgar Meyer, double bass
Join us for an unparalleled musical experience as Cal Performances presents an exciting new collaboration featuring three of American concert music's most singular figures: Tessa Lark on violin, Joshua Roman on cello, and Edgar Meyer on double bass. This exceptional trio will perform at Hertz Hall on October 20, 2024, at 3:00 pm, offering a program that showcases their virtuosic talents, deep connections to roots and fiddle music, and expansive artistic sensibilities. The performance will include selections by J.S. Bach, specifically the Sonata for Viola da Gamba in G Major, BWV 1027, alongside works by Edgar Meyer, including "Trio 1986" and "Trio 1988". Additionally, the audience will be treated to a Bay Area Premiere of a new work co-commissioned by Cal Performances, composed expressly for these artists, marking a highlight of the event. Edgar Meyer, a recent Grammy winner and perhaps today's best-known bass virtuoso, has built an extraordinary career as a soloist with leading orchestras, a musical partner to renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Chris Thile, and a sought-after composer and recording artist. Joining him are the genre-crossing, Kentucky-born violinist Tessa Lark and the eclectic cellist Joshua Roman, both of whom bring their unique styles and wide-open artistic sensibilities to this collaboration. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed performance start at $68, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale on August 6 at noon. This event promises to be an exhilarating romp through a diverse musical landscape, brought to life by three of the most innovative and exciting musicians of our time. Leadership support for this performance is provided by Nadine Tang, with additional support from Dr. Rupali Das-Melnyk and Dr. Ostap Melnyk. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a groundbreaking performance that bridges the worlds of classical, roots, and fiddle music. Reserve your seats today and be part of a musical journey that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the sheer joy of live music.
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Oct 20, 2024
Cal Performances

Berkeley, CA · University of California, Berkeley

2. Leonidas Kavakos, violin
Join us for an extraordinary musical journey with the renowned Greek violinist, Leonidas Kavakos, as he takes the stage at Zellerbach Hall for a two-night performance of Bach’s Complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. This event, part of the Cal Performances 2024-25 Season, promises to be a highlight of the classical music calendar, showcasing the towering works of Bach that have challenged and enchanted violinists for over two centuries. **Event Details:** - **Dates:** November 15 and 16, 2024 - **Time:** 8:00 PM each night - **Location:** Zellerbach Hall - **Tickets:** Start at $65. Season Subscriptions on sale now. Single Tickets available from noon, August 6. **About the Performance:** Leonidas Kavakos, celebrated for his intense, silken, and mercurial sound, will perform the complete set of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas across two evenings. These pieces, known for their profound musical depth and technical demands, represent a pinnacle of the solo violin repertoire. Kavakos’s interpretation, described as modern yet aware of historical traditions, playful in ornamentation but without exaggeration, promises to bring a fresh perspective to these beloved works. **Program:** - **Friday, Nov 15:** Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006; Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003; Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005. - **Saturday, Nov 16:** Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001; Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002; Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, performed by one of the most distinguished violinists of our time. Reserve your tickets early to ensure your place at this remarkable event.
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15 - 16 Nov, 2024
Cal Performances

Berkeley, CA · University of California, Berkeley

3. Igor Levit, piano
Join us for an evening of unparalleled musical artistry as Cal Performances presents the acclaimed German pianist, Igor Levit, in recital on November 19, 2024, at 7:30 pm in the prestigious Zellerbach Hall. Known for his bold recital programs and extraordinary technique, Levit is celebrated not only for his musicianship but also as one of classical music’s most politically outspoken figures. His diverse influences range from Thelonious Monk to hip-hop, showcasing his versatility and broad musical interests. This performance promises to be a journey through the extremes of emotion and technical prowess, featuring a program that juxtaposes the sensual Ballades of Brahms with Liszt’s fiendishly challenging transcription of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. Levit’s reputation as a superlative interpreter of Beethoven guarantees a cumulative power in his performance that is not to be missed. The evening’s program will include: - J.S. BACH: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 - BRAHMS: Ballades, Op. 10 - BEETHOVEN arr. LISZT: Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 Tickets for this must-see event start at $40, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Don’t miss your chance to experience the artistry of Igor Levit live in concert, a performance made possible in part by Art Berliner and Marian Lever. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit [Cal Performances](https://calperformances.org/events/2024-25/recital/igor-levit-piano/).
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Nov 19, 2024
Cal Performances

Berkeley, CA · University of California, Berkeley

4. Maxim Vengerov, violin Polina Osetinskaya, piano
Join us for an evening of unparalleled musical artistry as Maxim Vengerov, the Russian-born violin virtuoso, graces the stage of Zellerbach Hall on November 23, 2024, at 8 pm. Accompanied by the talented pianist Polina Osetinskaya, this recital promises to be a showcase of blazing virtuosity and breathtaking expressiveness that have defined Vengerov's illustrious career. From his early days as a child prodigy in Siberia to his international acclaim as a Grammy and Gramophone Award winner, Vengerov's journey has been marked by his rich, focused sound, immaculate technique, and the profound sense of meaning he brings to every note. The evening's program features a selection of works that span the breadth of the classical music spectrum, including C. Schumann's "Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22," Brahms' "Scherzo from F-A-E Sonata," R. Schumann's "Violin Sonata No. 3 in A minor," and Prokofiev's "Five Melodies, Op. 35" and "Violin Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 94a." This repertoire not only highlights Vengerov's technical prowess but also his deep musicality and interpretative depth. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed performance start at $40, with season subscriptions available from April 23 and single tickets going on sale on August 6. Major support for this performance is provided by Lance and Dalia Nagel, with additional support from The Sir Jack Lyons Charitable Trust. Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of Maxim Vengerov and Polina Osetinskaya in a recital that promises to be a highlight of the Cal Performances 2024-25 season.
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Nov 23, 2024
Cal Performances

Berkeley, CA · University of California, Berkeley

5. A Bach Christmas
The rich harmonies and musical invention of Bach are just perfect for the holiday season, and in this concert you’ll hear two of his Advent cantatas, including the famous Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and mouth and deed and life). You’ll certainly recognize its beautiful and gentle melodies. Alongside the music of Bach are two works by his contemporary Graupner, music of great grace and elegance.
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11 - 13 Dec, 2024
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale

Berkeley, CA · First Congregational Church of Berkeley + 2 other locations

6. Takács Quartet with Jeremy Denk, piano
Join us for an unforgettable musical experience as the renowned Takács Quartet teams up with the extraordinary pianist Jeremy Denk at Hertz Hall. This performance, scheduled for January 26, 2025, at 3:00 pm, promises to be a highlight of the musical season, showcasing the ensemble's unparalleled talent and Denk's profound interpretive insight. The Takács Quartet, celebrated by Scherzo Magazine as "one of the greatest chamber string ensembles on the world stage," will present two riveting programs. For their first performance, they are joined by Jeremy Denk, a MacArthur Genius award winner and well-regarded author known for his intelligence, humor, and interpretive depth. Together, they will explore Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor, a masterpiece that weaves together majesty, serenity, joy, tension, foreboding, and despair in a profound musical journey. The program will also feature Beethoven's String Quartet in F major, Op. 18, No. 1, and Janáček's String Quartet No. 1, "The Kreutzer Sonata," culminating in Brahms' Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. This selection of works promises an afternoon of emotional depth and breathtaking musicianship. Tickets for this must-see event start at $110, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Takács Quartet and Jeremy Denk in a performance that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
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Jan 26, 2025
Cal Performances

Berkeley, CA · University of California, Berkeley

7. Benjamin Beilman, violin Steven Osborne, piano
Join us for an unforgettable recital featuring the electrifying young American violinist Benjamin Beilman, alongside the talented pianist Steven Osborne, as part of the Cal Performances 2024-25 Season. This highly anticipated event is set to take place on March 9, 2025, at 3:00 pm in the acoustically superb Hertz Hall. Benjamin Beilman, known for his rich sound, dreamy lyricism, and heated intensity, has captivated audiences worldwide and received acclaim from critics, including The New York Times. In his Cal Performances debut, Beilman will explore the themes of influence and inspiration between composers, showcasing works that highlight the connections between Clara Schumann and Brahms, as well as pieces by French composers Lili Boulanger and César Franck. The program for this performance includes: - C. SCHUMANN: Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22 - BRAHMS: Violin Sonata in G major, Op. 78, Regensonate - L. BOULANGER: Two Pieces for Violin and Piano - FRANCK: Violin Sonata in A major Tickets for this recital start at $68, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the synergy between Benjamin Beilman and Steven Osborne in a program that promises to be both inspiring and mesmerizing. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Cal Performances website.
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Mar 9, 2025
Cal Performances

Berkeley, CA · University of California, Berkeley

8. Tout de Suite
Join us for a night of Baroque dance classics! After Jean-Féry Rebel’s “characters of the dance” teaches us the full emotional range of Baroque dance, the concert dives into some of the era’s most unforgettable music by Bach (including his ‘Air on a G String’), and Handel. Then, we’re back to the theater with more rousing dance and dramatic music by Rameau, full of rhythm and verve.
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10 - 12 Apr, 2025
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale

First United Methodist Church-Palo + 2 other locations

Conclusion
From Berkeley to San Francisco and Stanford, the upcoming season offers an extraordinary array of performances that honor Johann Sebastian Bach's enduring legacy. Whether it’s the virtuosic trio of Lark, Roman, and Meyer, the complete Sonatas and Partitas by Kavakos, or a festive 'Bach Christmas,' each event promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this musical celebration—reserve your tickets today and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Bach’s music.
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