Flutist

In one historic moment, Bach set the stage for the harpsichord to claim its place as a concerto soloist. The instrument's meteoric evolution from a harmony-playing member of the Basso continuo team to an elevated solo instrument worthy of concertos occurred when Bach composed a frenzied cadenza for the harpsichord in his Fifth Brandenburg Concerto. That work alone employs the harpsichord in three roles, to add harmonic texture, to share the spotlight with flute and violin as a melodic chamber instrument, and ultimately to completely take over the proceedings with a dramatic stepping out, front and center.

EPSG:4326

Bach's Harpsichord

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

Davis Community Church

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco

Pergolesi's incomparable setting of the Stabat Mater rose to great fame immediately following the composer's untimely death at the age of 26. Known for its beautiful arias and duets for soprano and alto, the writer and composer Jean-Jacques Rousseau praised the opening movement as "the most perfect and touching duet to come from the pen of any composer." The uniquely captivating music of Pergolesi's setting attracted Johann Sebastian Bach about a decade later, inspiring him to compose an arrangement of the instrumental parts that included a very elaborate part for the violas. After all, Bach was a fine violist himself, and he must have yearned for the opportunity to contribute to Pergolesi's beautiful music in a way that would flatter its composer.

The Harmonic Labyrinth

2025 San Francisco Bach Festival Program IV

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

2025 San Francisco Bach Festival Program III

Join us as we celebrate the 2022 Jeffrey Thomas Award recipient, Gabriel Benton, along with flutist Bethanne Walker and violinist YuEun Gemma Kim in a recital of works by Bach, Boismortier, and Rameau.

ABS Artist Showcase Series

Happy festivity is the theme of this program that features music composed for a banquet and a short ballet titled "A Splendid Wedding," written by Georg Muffat to introduce his musicians to the sounds of Versailles. The mellifluous flauto traverso is brought front and center in Vivaldi's celebration of a singing goldfinch, and truly charming overtures by Maurice Greene — a composer who held all major musical appointments in England and was a founder of the original Academy of Ancient Music — feature a pair of dulcet flutes. The central focal point of this program reflects Bach’s explorations into the most up-do-date styles of his era, coming to monumental fruition in his last works, including “The Musical Offering,” a lofty zenith of the composer's practically scientific application of musical forms that culminates in his most superbly crafted Trio Sonata.

A Musical Feast

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Stop by for a mid-week happy hour with hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and free music performed by ABS Festival artists. Enjoy wine and a signature Festival Cocktail along with spirited performances by a quintet of engaging musicians playing on beautiful 18th-century instruments in one of San Francisco's most elegant destinations.

Flutist

Bethanne Walker

Events

Past events

1 - 4 May, 2026

Bach's Harpsichord · American Bach Soloists

Feb 27 - Mar 2, 2026

The Harmonic Labyrinth · American Bach Soloists

Future and recently performed repertoire

Flute in Concerto Grosso in G Major by Handel

American Bach Soloists

Flute in Orchestral Suite No. 2 by Bach

American Bach Soloists

Flute in Non sa che sia dolore by Bach

American Bach Soloists

Flute in Concerto for Flute, Violin and Harpsichord in A minor by Bach

American Bach Soloists

About

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