Lynne stepped down as PEV’s music director in 2020, following 15 years in that role. The pandemic lockdown prevented us from presenting what would have been Lynne’s farewell concerts in April 2020. Our holiday concert set this December will celebrate Lynne’s substantial artistic legacy with PEV, including pieces by Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Dave Brubeck, Meredith Monk - plus African-American spirituals and traditional Afro-Cuban music round out the lively, lovely program.

EPSG:4326

Return to the Heart: The Promise of Peace

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco

Feel the power and precision of the San Francisco Symphony brass section as they fill Davies Symphony Hall with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites.

Holiday Brass

Davies Symphony Hall

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.

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2025 Concert 1

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2025 Concert 2

Experience intimate chamber music programs curated and performed by small ensembles of SF Symphony musicians.

Chamber Music At Davies Symphony Hall

The SFP PIVOT Festival proudly presents an evening of innovative and thought-provoking music featuring Gabriel Kahane, Carla Kihlstedt, and the Del Sol Quartet. Gabriel Kahane, a celebrated composer and singer-songwriter, returns as guest curator for the festival's tenth season. Known for his work at the intersection of art and social practice, Kahane will perform and host three evenings of music that blend humor, depth, and ingenuity. 

Joining him is Carla Kihlstedt, a multifaceted artist whose work spans composition, violin, and vocals. Kihlstedt's creative explorations delve into complex themes such as the ocean, dreams, and the machine age. For this performance, Kahane will lead Kihlstedt and the Del Sol Quartet in a rendition of Kihlstedt’s "26 Little Deaths," a piece inspired by the whimsical and macabre illustrations of Edward Gorey.

The Del Sol Quartet, known for their adventurous spirit and commitment to new music, will bring their dynamic energy to the stage. With a history of commissioning and premiering works by contemporary composers, the quartet's performances are known for sparking dialogue and fostering unexpected discoveries. This collaboration promises an evening of rich, evocative music that challenges and delights the senses.

PIVOT Festival

Composer/singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane returns as guest curator once again for the tenth season of PIVOT. Kahane’s work exists at the intersection of art and social practice, and he is one of the most thoughtful—and thought-provoking—artists of his generation. He will perform opening night and host all three evenings of deliciously ingenious music brimming with thought, humor—both dark and light—and substance.

PIVOT Festival 2

A sound like no other! Calefax is a pioneering wind group from Amsterdam, famed throughout Europe.  These free-spirited virtuosos have not only invented their own ensemble but transcribe their own wide-ranging repertoire, commission new works, and always thrill their audiences.

Calefax

Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life

Lesher Center for the Arts

The Grammy-nominated Canadian violinist Corey Cerovsek collaborates with such conductors as Zubin Mehta, Charles Dutoit, and Michael Tilson Thomas, performing with such orchestras as Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Detroit.  His recordings have won several awards, and his rich, chocolately tone has filled Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall and the Théâtre du Châtelet, and he has appeared on NBC’s Tonight Show, CBS’ Sunday Morning, and PBS’ Musical Encounters.  Cerovsek earned a bachelor’s degree in music and mathematics at age 15; master’s degrees in both soon followed, and he completed his doctoral coursework in music and mathematics at age 18.

Corey Cerovsek & Friends

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.

Calidore String Quartet

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.

Pavel Haas Quartet

Launched in the summer of 2015, the group immediately earned top prizes at such prestigious competitions as Fischoff, Schoenfeld and Osaka.  Since then, the Ulysses has performed in such diverse venues as Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall and the Taiwan National Recital Hall, the Chautauqua Institution, Sociedad Filarmónica de Bilbao Ciclo de Cámara y Solistas in Salamanca, the Picasso Museum in Málaga, the National Gallery of Art and San Juan Chamber Music Festival. Last season they performed in Mexico City, along with Sociedad Filarmónica de Lima, Kansas City Friends of Chamber Music, Basel Kammermusik, and Chamber Music Society of Utica. Other notable engagements have included Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Premiere Performances Hong Kong, National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall (Istanbul).

ULYSSES STRING QUARTET (SF DEBUT) violist

The Tetzlaff Quartet, featuring the renowned violinist Christian Tetzlaff, is celebrated for its dynamic and nuanced performances that span a wide range of musical eras, from classical to contemporary. Formed in 1994 by Christian and Tanja Tetzlaff, along with Hanna Weinmeister and Elisabeth Kufferath, the ensemble has become one of the most sought-after quartets of its generation. Their performances are characterized by what The New York Times describes as "supremely lyrical, exactingly detailed playing combined with impeccable balance and unanimity," resulting in truly overwhelming musical experiences.

The quartet's repertoire for this performance includes Mendelssohn's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 13, Widmann's String Quartet No. 2, and Dvořák's String Quartet in A Flat Major, Op. 105. Each piece showcases the ensemble's ability to navigate complex musical landscapes with precision and emotional depth. The Tetzlaff Quartet's commitment to excellence is further evidenced by their extensive international tours and performances at prestigious venues such as the Cité de la Musique in Paris, Wigmore Hall in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Their recordings have also garnered critical acclaim, including a Diapason d’Or award.

Christian Tetzlaff, equally adept in classical, romantic, and 20th-century repertoires, plays a violin by Peter Greiner. Elisabeth Kufferath, also on violin, is a professor at the University of Music and Drama in Hannover and is known for her dedication to contemporary music. Hanna Weinmeister, the quartet's violist, serves as the First Concertmaster of the Zurich Opera Orchestra. Cellist Tanja Tetzlaff performs internationally and plays a violoncello by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini from 1776. Together, they form a quartet that is not only technically proficient but also deeply expressive, making each performance a memorable event.

Tetzlaff Quartet

The Leonkoro Quartet, founded in Berlin in 2019, is framed by brothers Jonathan and Lukas Schwarz on first violin and cello, while the middle voices are formed by Amelie Wallner on second violin and Mayu Konoe on viola. In Esperanto, Leonkoro means Lionheart, alluding to a children’s book about two brothers, a book that juxtaposes the grave reality of death with a large and heartfelt yearning for comfort and solace – a sentiment that string quartet repertoire addresses in several instances.

Leonkoro String Quartet (SF debut)

Delight in every turn of phrase as SF Symphony musicians perform together within the intimate realm of chamber music.

Gunn Theater At Legion Of Honor

Legion of Honor

The Isidore String Quartet, winners of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition, is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to revisit, rediscover, and reinvigorate chamber music. Formed in 2019 and heavily influenced by the Juilliard String Quartet, the ensemble approaches established works as if they were brand new and new compositions as if they were firmly established. The quartet, comprising violinists Adrian Steele and Phoenix Avalon, violist Devin Moore, and cellist Joshua McClendon, has captivated audiences across North America and Europe with their sweeping coherence and blazing virtuosity. Their program features Mozart's String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465 Dissonance, Childs' String Quartet No. 3 Unrequited, and Beethoven's String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127. The Isidore String Quartet has collaborated with eminent performers and appeared on major series in cities such as Chicago, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Their commitment to providing encouragement, education, and healing to marginalized communities through PROJECT: MUSIC HEALS US further underscores their dedication to the transformative power of music.

Isidore String Quartet

French/Russian violinist Alexandra Soumm has performed with such leading orchestras as the Royal, BBC, London, and Hungarian National Philharmonics, as well as the Baltimore, Galicia, RTÉ National, Danish National, Vancouver, Trondheim, NHK, Tokyo Metropolitan, BBC Scottish, Tokyo and Munich Symphonies, with such conductors as Herbert Blomstedt, Neeme Järvi, Osmo Vänska, Leonard Slatkin and Marin Alsop.

Chamber music events in San Francisco, CA

Return to the Heart: The ...

Pacific Edge Voices

Holiday Brass

San Francisco Symphony

The String Quartets of Pa...

San Francisco Performances

The String Quartets of Pa...

San Francisco Performances

Chamber Music At Davies S...

San Francisco Symphony

PIVOT Festival

San Francisco Performances

PIVOT Festival 2

San Francisco Performances

Calefax

Chamber Music San Francisco

Corey Cerovsek & Friends

Chamber Music San Francisco

Calidore String Quartet

San Francisco Performances

Pavel Haas Quartet

San Francisco Performances

Chamber Music At Davies S...

San Francisco Symphony

ULYSSES STRING QUARTET (S...

Chamber Music San Francisco

Tetzlaff Quartet

San Francisco Performances

Leonkoro String Quartet (...

Chamber Music San Francisco

Gunn Theater At Legion Of...

San Francisco Symphony

Isidore String Quartet

San Francisco Performances

ALEXANDRA SOUMM, violin A...

Chamber Music San Francisco

Chamber Music At Davies S...

San Francisco Symphony

Gunn Theater At Legion Of...

San Francisco Symphony