San Francisco Early Music Society

==San Francisco Early Music Society== The '''San Francisco Early Music Society''' (SFEMS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of early music. Founded in 1975, SFEMS has played a pivotal role in the early music revival movement for over four decades, establishing itself as a significant cultural institution in the Bay Area. ===History=== SFEMS was established as a membership organization with the primary goal of fostering the performance and appreciation of early music. Since its inception, the society has been influential in the early music community, not only in the Bay Area but also on a national and international level. ===Mission=== The mission of SFEMS is to serve as the Bay Area’s gateway for early music, engaging audiences with historically informed performances that span centuries and cultures. The society seeks to create a community that reflects the diversity of the region, focusing on concerts, education, and outreach. SFEMS is committed to three main areas of activity: organizing concerts and musical events, providing educational programs for both amateurs and professionals, and offering communication, outreach, collaboration, and support services for the local early music community. ===Concerts and Festivals=== SFEMS is renowned for producing one of the nation's longest-running and most prestigious early-music concert series. These concerts showcase the finest aspects of early music and historically-informed performance. Additionally, the society is responsible for the Berkeley Festival & Exhibition (BFX), established in 1990. BFX has grown to become one of the largest and most significant early music events globally, receiving acclaim from notable publications such as The New York Times. The festival is a biennial event, with the next one scheduled for June 2024. ===Educational Programs=== A key component of SFEMS's mission is education. The society offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, collegia, and summer workshops, which are led by internationally-renowned faculty covering the full spectrum of historical music. SFEMS also provides year-round opportunities for virtual instruction, catering to adults, children, and youth. ===Affiliate Program=== Since 1980, SFEMS has supported groups that align with its artistic and educational objectives through an affiliate sponsorship program. This program has been instrumental in the success of numerous Bay Area early music organizations. Notable groups such as Chanticleer and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra began as SFEMS affiliates. Many other well-loved ensembles, including Musica Pacifica, New Esterházy Quartet, and Vajra Voices, benefit from SFEMS's nonprofit status for fundraising, insurance coverage, and other essential services. ===Community Engagement=== Beyond concerts and education, SFEMS provides various services to the community, including a comprehensive calendar of Bay Area early music events and the publication of Early Music News on a weekly basis. The San Francisco Early Music Society continues to be a vital force in the cultural landscape, contributing significantly to the appreciation and understanding of early music through its diverse range of programs and services.