A concert exploring the little-known world of percussion: rhythms, textures, and sound experimentation spanning contemporary music, arrangements of classic repertoire, and new technologies

Percussive Alchemy

Carlo Felice Theater

UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra 2026

UC Berkeley Department of Music

An evening with our GMPU Symphony Orchestra is always a unique and impressive experience. Following an intensive rehearsal period, the students of the Gustav Mahler Private University for Music (GMPU) will present two concerts under the direction of renowned conductor Tobias Wögerer and conducting students.

GMPU Symphony Orchestra in Bleiburg

Cultural Cathedral

Along with world premieres of two chamber orchestra works (Mermelstein & Tse), this program reprises a work with Brazilian inflections that Esprit previously commissioned from our percussionist Mark Duggan. Percussion has a strong presence on this concert with Ryan Scott performing Abe’s Michi, a marimba solo in contrast to the composer’s The Wave performed earlier in the season. A spectacular percussion duo by Trevino heightens the concert’s percussive element. Two superb string quartets, radically different from one another, highlight the styles of Smith and Rea. Gabriella Smith has a unique sensibility when it comes to naming her pieces and we have happily taken the liberty of reflecting this in the titles of three of our season’s concerts that include her music.

EPSG:4326

Esprit Orchestra presents CARROT REVOLUTION

Trinity-St. Paul's United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts

In honor of International Women’s Day, SFCM presents a concert of music by women organized by and featuring the women and gender non-conforming people of SFCM. Hosted by the Technology and Applied Composition program, or TAC, students and faculty throughout the SFCM community participate in composing, performing and celebrating this event. The annual concert features performances that explore the intersection of music, visuals and technology.

The Future is Female

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Join us for an enchanting evening at the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival with "Concert II: Stories from Asia" on Thursday, August 22, 2024. This unique concert will take you on a musical journey through Asia, showcasing the rich and diverse folk music traditions from China, Tibet, Japan, India, and Korea. Experience the beauty of these cultures through a selection of works by composers who have been inspired by their own musical heritage.

The concert will feature the thrilling "Blaze" by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, which includes the traditional Indian tabla, an instrument renowned for its complexity and expressive power. Additionally, the program includes Nian Liu's "Suite for Viola Solo," Keiko Abe's "Variations on Japanese Children's Songs 1982," traditional Korean folk songs, and Sandeep Das's "Rhythms of India," all performed by an exceptional lineup of artists. 

Artists for the evening include David Serkin Ludwig as the resident composer, Jennifer Frautschi on violin, Wenting Kang on viola, Ji Hye Jung on percussion, and Sandeep Das on tabla. Each artist brings their own unique interpretation and deep understanding of the music, promising an unforgettable experience.

Tickets are available for general admission at $45, with special pricing for those under 30 at $20, and students at $5. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the stories and sounds of Asia through this remarkable concert. Buy your festival pass or single tickets today and immerse yourself in the transformative power of music.

Concert II: Stories from Asia

All Souls Interfaith Gathering

Few realize that the piano is, technically, a percussion instrument. Tonight, we’ll explore percussive musical innovations inspired by Beethoven’s piano, including marimba, percussion, keyboard, piano, and even percussive cello. Experience these unique works by Keiko Abe, Clancy Newman, Juri Seo, and our CMNW Co-Commissioned World Premiere of Kyle Rivera’s new music for multiple keyboards and percussion—and meet the composer, as well!

NEW@NIGHT: Elemental Keyboards

The Old Church

The Well Prepared Marimba: An Exploration of Extended Techniques and Instrument Preparations (viva voce)

Corey Denham, Percussion – Doctoral Lecture Recital

University of Arizona

What happens when destiny meets the magic of the screen? Join us for the Fate, Fire & Fantasy concert with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic for an evocative performance. From the enchanting Studio Ghibli soundscapes of Joe Hisaishi to Tchaikovsky’s monumental exploration of human fate, this program bridges the gap between cinematic wonder and symphonic power.

Fate, Fire & Fantasy

Civic Center Music Hall

Italy’s mystery and allure run throughout this SF Symphony Youth Orchestra program. Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana brings operatic heat, while Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture etches a dramatic portrait of a Roman general. Sibelius’s Second Symphony recalls Italy in its sun-drenched opening before yielding to icy Nordic winds and defiant Finnish national pride. Also on the program, SF Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition winner Aeneas Yu performs Keiko Abe’s dazzling Prism Rhapsody for marimba and orchestra.

Sibelius 2

San Francisco Symphony

Avi Kwok is a percussionist from Hong Kong studying in his third year of the BMus (Honours) Percussion course at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). As a versatile percussionist, Avi performs in symphony orchestra, wind band, brass band, chamber music, and musical theatre. He has appeared with the Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Birmingham Symphonic Winds, and KNDS Fairey Band. 

Lois Lezdkan is an emerging percussionist from Hampshire, currently studying classical percussion under Simone Rebello at the RNCM after achieving an entrance scholarship, courtesy of the Gough Kelly Award.

Keiko Abe

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 6, 2027

Fate, Fire & Fantasy · Oklahoma City Philharmonic

Feb 28, 2027

Sibelius 2 · San Francisco Symphony

Apr 7, 2027

Royal Northern College of Music · Leeds Conservatoire

Past events

May 3, 2026

Percussive Alchemy · Opera Carlo Felice Genova

Feb 20 - May 9, 2026

UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra 2026 · UC Berkeley Department of Music

About

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