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Sir Stephen Hough, the first classical artist to be awarded the prestigious MacArthur Genius Fellowship, brings his powerful creative, interpretive, and intellectual gifts to the stage in a performance that promises to be both fresh and spontaneous. With a career spanning four decades, Hough has consistently infused his performances with a sense of wonder and discovery. This event is part of the Robert and Ruth Dell Piano Series and features a program that includes Chaminade's "Automne," "Scarf Dance," "Toccata," "Theme Varie," "Autre Fois," and "Les Sylvains," as well as Liszt's "Sonata in B Minor" and Chopin's "Sonata in B Minor." Named by The Economist as one of the "Twenty Living Polymaths," Hough combines his distinguished career as a pianist with those of a composer and writer. His extensive discography, which includes around 70 CDs, has garnered international awards and accolades. Hough's recent engagements have seen him perform with leading orchestras and at major concert halls and festivals across five continents. His ability to bring a fresh perspective to classical music makes this performance a unique and enriching experience.

Our Saturday Morning Series has been one of our most popular for decades. These lively and fun concerts with the Alexander String Quartet and Music Historian-in-Residence Dr. Robert Greenberg are filled with great music and insightful, historical, and humorous commentary.

Renowned for his extraordinary technical prowess and profound musicality, Canadian piano virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin returns to San Francisco Performances with a program that showcases his versatile artistry and intellectual depth. Celebrated by The New Yorker for his unique presence in the world of classical music, Hamelin's performance promises an eclectic mix of compositions that highlight his ability to navigate both the well-trodden paths of the classical repertoire and the intriguing byways of lesser-known works. The evening's program features a diverse selection of pieces, beginning with Haydn's elegant Piano Sonata in D Major, Hob. XVI:37, and moving through the avant-garde soundscapes of Frank Zappa's "Ruth Is Sleeping" and Stefan Wolpe's "Passacaglia." The journey continues with John Oswald's "TIP" and Nikolai Medtner's evocative "Improvisation in B Flat Minor, Op. 31 No. 1" and "Danza festiva, Op. 38 No. 3." The performance culminates with the dramatic intensity of Rachmaninoff's "Etude-Tableau Op. 39 No. 5" and the powerful "Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 36" in its 1931 version. Hamelin's reputation as a performer of near-superhuman technical skill is matched by his deep interpretative insight, making each piece a vivid exploration of its unique character and emotional landscape. His ability to blend consummate musicianship with brilliant technique ensures that this performance will be a memorable experience, reflecting his ongoing commitment to both the established masterpieces and the hidden gems of the piano repertoire.

Experience an evening of profound musical artistry with the celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis and the distinguished pianist Connie Shih. Renowned for his wide-ranging curiosity and expressive skill, Steven Isserlis stands out as a unique figure in the world of classical music. His performances are known for their depth and meaning, crafted with uncanny nuance and creativity. Connie Shih, one of Canada's most outstanding pianists, brings her exceptional talent and extensive experience to the stage, having performed with numerous world-renowned musicians and at prestigious venues across the globe. The program for the evening promises a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces, featuring Beethoven's Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Martinů's Sonata No. 2, Nadia Boulanger's Three Pieces for Cello and Piano, and Grieg's Sonata. Each piece will be brought to life through the spontaneous and lyrical collaboration between Isserlis and Shih, a partnership praised for its musical delight and spontaneity. Steven Isserlis's illustrious career includes performances with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide, as well as a significant role in historical performance and contemporary music. His extensive discography and numerous awards, including a CBE and the Schumann Prize, attest to his exceptional contributions to music. Connie Shih's remarkable journey began with her orchestral debut at the age of nine and has since included performances at major festivals and concert halls, as well as collaborations with prominent artists. Together, Isserlis and Shih create an unforgettable musical experience, blending technical mastery with profound emotional expression. Their performance is a testament to their individual brilliance and their extraordinary synergy as a duo.

Experience a unique musical collaboration that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries with the extraordinary talents of classical guitarist Sharon Isbin and sarod master Amjad Ali Khan. This performance brings together the rich traditions of European medieval music and Indian ragas, creating a harmonious blend that interweaves musical, spiritual, and artistic legacies. Sharon Isbin, celebrated for her extraordinary lyricism, technique, and versatility, has been hailed as one of the best classical guitarists in the world. Her illustrious career includes performances with over 200 orchestras and sold-out concerts in prestigious venues across 40 countries. Amjad Ali Khan, a sixth-generation sarod virtuoso, has redefined Indian classical music with his innovative interpretations and global performances. His illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan and the UNESCO Award. Together, Isbin and Khan present "Strings for Peace," a program that showcases their exceptional artistry and the universal language of music. This collaboration promises to be a mesmerizing journey through the intricate and soulful sounds of the guitar and sarod, offering a profound and enriching musical experience.

Experience an evening of profound musical exploration with Singaporean-British mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron, hailed as a knockout performer by The New York Times and a striking stage presence by Seen and Heard International. In this intricate and intriguing recital, Barron delves into diverse perspectives on colonial history through a carefully curated program of music and poetry spanning the last 150 years. The performance, titled "The Power and the Glory: Music of Colonialism," features works by composers such as Zubaida Azezi, Edo Frenkel, Theodoro Valcarcel, Messiaen, Xavier Montsalvatge, Ernesto Lecuona, Mahler, Schönberg, Weill, Ilse Weber, Kamala Sankaram, H.T. Tsiang, and Chen Yi. Each piece reflects the search for identity during the height of the Empire, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and historical narratives. Barron's passionate interpretation and commanding stage presence promise to bring these stories to life, making for an unforgettable evening of music and reflection.

The Calidore String Quartet, founded in 2010, has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the world's leading interpreters of chamber music. Renowned for their deep reserves of virtuosity and irrepressible dramatic instinct, the quartet has captivated audiences globally. Comprising Jeffrey Myers and Ryan Meehan on violins, Jeremy Berry on viola, and Estelle Choi on cello, the ensemble is celebrated for their cohesive and dynamic performances. Their repertoire spans from the classical masterpieces of Beethoven and Mendelssohn to the innovative works of contemporary composers like Caroline Shaw and Anna Clyne. The Calidore String Quartet has graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Berlin Konzerthaus, and has been featured in major festivals including the BBC Proms and MusicMenlo. Their critically acclaimed recordings, including the ambitious complete cycle of Beethoven’s String Quartets, showcase their exceptional artistry. The quartet's commitment to music education is evident through their roles as faculty members at the University of Delaware and their numerous residencies at esteemed institutions. With a name that reflects their Californian roots and golden aspirations, the Calidore String Quartet continues to enchant and inspire with their profound musical interpretations.

Experience an evening of extraordinary musical artistry with the renowned violinist Midori and the acclaimed pianist Özgür Aydin. Midori, a visionary artist celebrated for her profound interpretations and humanitarian efforts, presents a program inspired by Federico Garcia Lorca's evocative poetry. The performance will feature Poulenc’s Sonata, dedicated to Lorca, and Ravel’s poignant setting of the Hebrew prayer for the dead, "Kaddish." Additionally, the program includes Brahms' Sonata No. 1 in G Major and the West Coast premiere of Che Buford's "Spirituals," showcasing the violin's expressive range. Midori's illustrious career spans four decades, marked by collaborations with legendary musicians and performances with prestigious orchestras worldwide. Her deep commitment to music and education is reflected in her roles as Artistic Director of Ravinia Steans Music Institute’s Piano & Strings program and founder of several non-profit organizations. She performs on the 1734 Guarnerius del Gesù ex-Huberman violin, bringing a rich historical legacy to her music. Joining her is Özgür Aydin, a Turkish-American pianist whose international career was launched with his major concerto debut in 1997. Aydin's performances have graced esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall, and he is known for his recordings of Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov. His collaboration with Midori promises a night of exceptional musical dialogue and virtuosity. This performance is a testament to the enduring power of classical music, blending historical masterpieces with contemporary works, and offering a profound exploration of the human experience through sound.

The Pavel Haas Quartet, winners of five Gramophone Classical Music Awards, is celebrated as one of the world's premier chamber ensembles. Known for their lush tone, passionate interpretations, and intuitive ensemble precision, the Quartet has earned a place on BBC Music Magazine's list of Top Ten String Quartet Ensembles of All Time. Their performances are described as stylistically powerful and richly sonorous, captivating audiences worldwide. The ensemble, comprising Veronika Jarůšková and Marek Zwiebel on violins, Šimon Truszka on viola, and Peter Jarůšek on cello, has graced prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall, London Philharmonie, and Carnegie Hall. Their repertoire for this performance includes Dvořák's String Quartet No. 11 in C Major, Op. 61, and Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 30. The Pavel Haas Quartet's dedication to their craft and their ability to convey deep emotion through music make their performances a profound experience.

Jan Lisiecki, hailed by BBC Music Magazine as "perhaps the most complete pianist of his age," brings his extraordinary talent to a recital that delves into the rich and varied world of preludes. At just 28, Lisiecki has already carved out an impressive career, performing on the world's most prestigious stages and collaborating with leading orchestras and conductors. This performance features an insightful program that explores the prelude form, showcasing works by a diverse array of composers including Bach, Rachmaninoff, Górecki, Szymanowski, Messiaen, and Chopin. Lisiecki's interpretation of these pieces highlights the unique ways in which each composer has embraced and personalized the prelude format. The recital includes the complete Préludes Op. 28 by Chopin, offering a comprehensive look at how this form has evolved and been reimagined over time. Known for his mature interpretations and technical prowess, Lisiecki's performance promises to be a profound exploration of the prelude, revealing the broad possibilities and emotional depth of this seemingly humble musical form.