Get ready for a series of enchanting events celebrating Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in San Francisco and beyond! From the mesmerizing PC Morning Recital to the delightful Cosi Fan Tutte opera, and the captivating Ulysses String Quartet's SF debut, there's something for every classical music lover. Don't miss out on these unforgettable performances at iconic venues like the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, Davies Symphony Hall, and more!

Mozart's Masterpieces Light Up San Francisco and Beyond

Join us for a symphonic journey through time and emotion with the timeless works of Joseph Haydn. From the delicate medieval music of Hildegard von Bingen to the cheeky notes of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, 'Dreams and Passions' sets the stage in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto. Then, enjoy the insightful and humorous commentary of Dr. Robert Greenberg and the Alexander String Quartet in 'The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang' series. Don't miss the profound artistry of the Jerusalem Quartet or the virtuosic performance by Marc-André Hamelin, each adding their unique flair in San Francisco. Wrap up the season with 'MainStage 2: Celebration and Hope,' welcoming the new year with the ebullient Symphony No. 103. Dive into these rich musical experiences where each venue brings Haydn's masterpieces to life.

Celebrate Haydn: Upcoming Musical Events in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto

Experience the magic of Edvard Grieg's compositions through a series of exceptional performances in San Francisco and Palo Alto. From the captivating collaboration of Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih to the dynamic duo of Johan Dalene and Sahun Sam Hong, these events promise to bring Grieg's timeless music to life. Don't miss the chance to witness the artistry of Paul Huang, Danbi Um, and Amy Yang, as well as the enchanting performances by Alexandra Soumm and Amandine Savary.

Celebrate Edvard Grieg in San Francisco and Palo Alto: A Series of Exceptional Classical Performances

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with a series of mesmerizing events in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto. From the whimsical overture of Mendelssohn's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to the soulful melodies of his String Quartets, this season promises to captivate your senses. Join the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Tetzlaff Quartet, Leonkoro Quartet, and other stellar performers for unforgettable concerts across these vibrant Californian cities.

Musical Extravaganza in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto: Celebrating Felix Mendelssohn

Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey across San Francisco, Berkeley, Palo Alto, and Stanford as we celebrate the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Don't miss the world premiere of Nico Muhly’s Baroque-inspired Piano Concerto, chamber music at the Gunn Theater, a Bach Christmas in Berkeley, and much more.

Celebrating Bach: A Musical Extravaganza in San Francisco and Beyond

San Francisco is set to become a haven for classical music enthusiasts with a series of riveting events celebrating the genius of Sergey Rachmaninoff. From a morning recital at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to electrifying performances by Marc-André Hamelin and Yuja Wang & Víkingur Ólafsson at Davies Symphony Hall, the city will resonate with the timeless compositions of Rachmaninoff. Let's dive into the details of these extraordinary musical experiences.

San Francisco Hosts a Spectacular Tribute to Rachmaninoff

San Francisco is set to be the epicenter of classical music with an array of breathtaking performances featuring the works of Dmitri Shostakovich. From the grand halls of Davies Symphony Hall to the intimate ambiance of the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, prepare yourself for a rich tapestry of music that spans from October 2024 through April 2025. Highlights include the San Francisco Symphony's renditions of Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1, Symphony No. 10, and Piano Concerto No. 2, as well as the Jerusalem Quartet's performance of Quartet No. 12 and Evgeny Kissin's piano recital featuring Piano Sonata No. 2 in B minor.

Unmissable Shostakovich Performances in San Francisco: Symphony, Chamber, and Concertos

Get ready to be enthralled by a series of extraordinary performances in San Francisco as renowned musicians pay homage to Beethoven. From the profound collaborations of Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih to the dynamic interpretations of the Calidore and Isidore String Quartets, and the poetic artistry of Joyce Yang, these concerts promise unforgettable musical experiences. Mark your calendars for performances featuring Beethoven's timeless masterpieces, alongside works by Grieg, Martinů, Schumann, and more at the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center.

San Francisco Shines with Beethoven: A February to April Concert Series

Get ready, San Francisco! This season, the city will be graced by the timeless beauty of Frédéric Chopin’s works, performed by some of the world's most revered pianists. From the PC Morning Recital at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to the dazzling performances by Sir Stephen Hough and Evgeny Kissin at the War Memorial and Davies Symphony Hall, these events promise to be a feast for the senses.

Experience Chopin in San Francisco: Unmissable Piano Recitals

Anthony Roth Costanzo re-created the demanding title role of Philip Glass’ monumental opera Akhnaten at the Met to universal acclaim, and now makes his Bay Area recital debut. With a childhood background in Broadway and a Grammy® Award to his credit, he deeply understands how to get inside musical characters and deliver captivating performances. He presents a varied program of historic and contemporary works including an homage to Barbra Streisand. “Costanzo’s vocal range is what makes his performances truly shine” (NPR).

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Anthony Roth Costanzo

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Pulitzer and Grammy-winning composer-performer Caroline Shaw and acclaimed singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane come together for a unique musical collaboration that highlights their exceptional talents as contemporary musical storytellers. Caroline Shaw, known for her versatility across roles, genres, and mediums, creates a world of sound that feels both unprecedented and timeless. Her work spans a wide array of projects, from scoring films and TV series to composing for renowned orchestras and collaborating with artists like Rosalía and Yo-Yo Ma. Gabriel Kahane, celebrated as one of today's most insightful songwriters, blends his artistry with social practice, crafting music that resonates deeply with contemporary issues. His compositions have been commissioned by prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Hall and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and his discography includes critically acclaimed albums like Magnificent Bird. Together, Shaw and Kahane present a program of new work that promises to be a profound exploration of musical narrative, showcasing their combined prowess in creating evocative and thought-provoking performances.

Caroline Shaw Soprano/Violin & Gabriel Kahane Piano/Vocals

Natasha Paremski, a profoundly accomplished pianist, is renowned for her powerful interpretations and flawless technique. Her performances consistently captivate audiences, showcasing a blend of astonishing ease, superb control, and lyrical sensitivity. Paremski's debut recording soared to the top of the Billboard classical charts, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. She has since become a regular guest with major orchestras worldwide, including the Minnesota Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Her extensive touring has taken her to prestigious venues such as Royal Albert Hall and Wigmore Hall, and she has collaborated with esteemed conductors like Thomas Dausgaard and JoAnn Falletta. Paremski's repertoire spans from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, reflecting her artistic maturity. Notably, she premiered Gabriel Kahane's Piano Sonata, written specifically for her. A passionate chamber musician, she frequently partners with Grammy-winning cellist Zuill Bailey. Paremski's accolades include the Gilmore Young Artists prize and the Classical Recording Foundation’s Young Artist of the Year. Her dynamic performances and profound interpretations continue to generate excitement and admiration from audiences and critics alike.

Natasha Paremski Piano

Experience the profound artistry of the Jerusalem Quartet, one of the world's premier chamber ensembles. Celebrating over 30 years of musical excellence, this Israeli string quartet is renowned for its impeccable unity of sound and purpose, often described as a single instrument with 16 strings. The ensemble, featuring Alexander Pavlovsky and Sergei Bresler on violins, Ori Kam on viola, and Kyril Zlotnikov on cello, brings a rich and varied repertoire to life with stunning depth of expression.

The Jerusalem Quartet's performances are characterized by passion, precision, and warmth, creating a golden blend that has captivated audiences globally. Their approach balances individual expression with a transparent and respectful presentation of the composer's work, ensuring a harmonious and engaging experience. The ensemble's dedication to refining their interpretations of classical repertoire while exploring new epochs has solidified their reputation as a beloved guest on the world's great concert stages.

In this performance, the Jerusalem Quartet will present a program that includes Haydn's Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1 Prussian, Shostakovich's Quartet No. 12 in D-Flat Major, Op. 133, and Dvořák's String Quartet in G-Major, Op. 106. Each piece showcases the quartet's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and technical prowess, making for an unforgettable musical journey.

The Jerusalem Quartet's recordings have garnered numerous awards, including the Diapason d’Or and the BBC Music Magazine Award for chamber music. Their discography features the string quartets of Haydn, Schubert’s Death and the Maiden, and works by Ravel and Debussy, among others. Their exploration of Jewish music in Central Europe between the wars, highlighted in their 2019 album, further exemplifies their commitment to diverse and meaningful musical expressions.

Jerusalem Quartet

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 2

The Assad Brothers, Sérgio and Odair, are renowned for their exceptional artistry and innovative approach to guitar duos, setting an international standard over nearly six decades. Their performances are a testament to their deep-rooted Brazilian musical heritage and rigorous training under Monina Távora, a disciple of the legendary Andrés Segovia. The brothers' uncanny ensemble playing and virtuosity have inspired numerous composers, including Astor Piazzolla and Terry Riley, to create works specifically for them. Their diverse repertoire spans folk, jazz, Latin music, and classical pieces, featuring transcriptions of Baroque keyboard literature and adaptations of works by Gershwin, Ginastera, and Debussy. Sérgio Assad, a prolific composer, has enriched their performances with original compositions and collaborations with symphony orchestras and renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma. The Assad Brothers' illustrious career includes significant milestones such as a major prize at the 1979 Young Artists Competition in Bratislava and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guitar Foundation of America. Their innovative spirit and dedication to their craft continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making their performances a compelling blend of styles, periods, and cultures.

Assad Brothers

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang

The Esmé Quartet, one of the world’s most watched young ensembles, is celebrated for its depth and maturity, as noted by the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Formed in 2016 at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, Germany, the quartet comprises four musicians who have been friends since their youth: Wonhee Bae and Yuna Ha on violin, Dimitri Murrath on viola, and Ye-Eun Heo on cello. The ensemble has rapidly gained a worldwide reputation for its exceptional artistry and achievement, winning the prestigious Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition in 2018, along with several other accolades.

The Esmé Quartet is acclaimed for its spellbinding dynamics, stylistically assured interpretations, and precision ensemble playing. Their performances are known for their warm sound and powerful stage presence, bringing together four distinct musical personalities into a cohesive, close-knit group passionately dedicated to the string quartet repertoire. The ensemble has performed at renowned venues and festivals worldwide, including the Lucerne Festival, Wigmore Hall, and the Aix-en-Provence festival, among others.

Their program features a rich selection of works, including Mozart's String Quartet in D Major, K. 575, Ligeti's String Quartet No. 1, and Schubert's String Quartet in G Major, D. 887. These pieces showcase the quartet's ability to navigate a diverse range of musical styles with depth and precision. The Esmé Quartet continues to captivate audiences with their compelling performances and dedication to the art of the string quartet.

Esmé Quartet

Grammy®-nominated Nicholas Phan is “one of the world’s most remarkable singers” (Boston Globe), praised for his keen intelligence, captivating stage presence, and natural musicianship. The Wall Street Journal calls beloved artist Jake Heggie “arguably the world’s most popular 21st-century opera and art song composer.” Both of these prolific, sought-after artists have a long history with San Francisco Performances.

Gala Performance

This thrilling concert brings together two close friends, Pekka Kuusisto and Gabriel Kahane, for a wide-ranging and centuries-spanning musical evening. At its center is the world premiere of a collaboratively written song cycle exploring the joys and griefs of life in the 21st century, around which Kuusisto and Kahane have built an eclectic program ranging from Bach and Nico Muhly to Scandinavian folk music and songs from Kahane’s catalog. Forging connections between past and present, these two singular artists offer a ravishingly beautiful path toward the bright future of chamber music.

Pekka Kuusisto Violin and Gabriel Kahane Piano

San Francisco Performances favorite Jonathan Biss returns with an ambitious and intriguing series of recitals that ask contemporary American composers of three generations to consider and musically respond to the legacy of Franz Schubert. Tyshawn Sorey (b. 1980) is “a composer of radical and seemingly boundless ideas” (Wall Street Journal) who often melds composition and improvisation.

Jonathan Biss’s boundless curiosity about humanity and art make him a thoughtful and compelling performer. He is known for assembling programs that plumb the depths of history, explore sparks of creativity and affirm the unity of shared experience. San Francisco Classical Voice called him, “a pianist whose probing, incisive, and deeply considered performances are consistently challenging and rewarding.

Jonathan Biss | Piano

The esteemed and popular Alexander String Quartet has enlivened SF Performances seasons for more than three decades, joined by Music Historian-in-Residence Robert Greenberg. Together they explore in music and words some of chamber music’s most intriguing and important composers, their works, lives, and times. Looking back to the early years of the last century, the Quartet and Greenberg will explore the rich history of bright innovation and creation during often dark times.

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 6

Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Magazine, the Dover Quartet is one of the most versatile and listened-to groups. “No one who’s heard the brilliant Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes in action could be in any doubt about the depth of his musical insights or the range of his interests”.

Dover Quartet

Camille Thomas blends a brilliant command of the cello with a rare musicality in her passionate and compelling performances. “Camille Thomas has all the requisite technique and produces a sound I can only liken to drinking hot chocolate: delicious, warming, full of flavor”.

Camille Thomas | Cello

A runaway hit of our 2021-22 season, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain scored with audiences with its unique, energetic blend of arrangements from pop to classical, humor, and, of course, lots and lots of expert strumming. This ensemble of a dozen-plus plucky artists are “the best musical entertainment in the country,” according to the Independent. “Nothing is spoof proof,” added The Times.

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

A runaway hit of our 2021-22 season, George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain scored with audiences with its unique, energetic blend of arrangements from pop to classical, humor, and, of course, lots and lots of expert strumming. This ensemble of a dozen-plus plucky artists are “the best musical entertainment in the country,” according to the Independent. “Nothing is spoof proof,” added The Times.

George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 5

The Guardian puts Ilker Arcayürek “in a class all his own” for his gilded tone, dramatic flexibility and captivating presence. “He is a very stylish singer” (Bachtrack). Simon Lepper is an authoritative and polished pianist who is the perfect counterpart to Arcayürek’s radiant technique, “his playing flowing and just on the right side of understatement”

Ilker Arcayürek | Tenor & Simon Lepper | Piano

“Few string quartets can command the stage like the Calder Quartet,” declared The Washington Post of this versatile and vibrant ensemble that excels equally at composer collaborations and standard-setting performances of classics. They set out to do just that with two programs mixing it up with chamber music milestones and thrilling new voices. In this program, Antoine Hunter, a superbly gifted dancer/choreographer, founder of Urban Jazz Dance Company, and advocate for the Deaf community, expresses his experience in a hearing world through dance.

Calder Quartet

San Francisco Performances favorite Jonathan Biss returns with an ambitious and intriguing series of recitals that ask contemporary American composers of three generations to consider and musically respond to the legacy of Franz Schubert. Alvin Singleton (b. 1940) draws inspiration from a wide stream including folk and spiritual, classical and pop, with often surprising and theatrical nuance.

Jonathan Biss’s boundless curiosity about humanity and art make him a thoughtful and compelling performer. He is known for assembling programs that plumb the depths of history, explore sparks of creativity and affirm the unity of shared experience. San Francisco Classical Voice called him, “a pianist whose probing, incisive, and deeply considered performances are consistently challenging and rewarding.”

An inspired collaboration between one of the most distinctive pianists in the world and a dynamic string quartet that’s drawing praise from critics and audiences worldwide. Together, they explore cherished chamber works by Haydn and Brahms, along with one of Hough’s own compositions.

Castalian String Quartet Stephen Hough | Piano

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 4

“A brilliant musician and an extraordinary visionary” is how The Wall Street Journal describes Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Throughout a remarkable career, Aimard has been the pianist of choice of leading composers as collaborator and interpreter. His approach to classical and Romantic music is often to discover what made historic creators mavericks and innovators of their time.

Pierre-Laurent Aimard | Piano

“Her virtuosity surfs waves of jubilant energy,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Every performance by Leila Josefowicz is a revelation of new things to be heard and felt in the familiar and a happy introduction to new sounds from less familiar creative voices. John Novacek is “a pianist well worth keeping an ear open for”.

Leila Josefowicz Violin and John Novacek Piano

Three rising and in-demand soloists come together as a piano trio for this performance. Jonathan Swensen has been featured as both Musical America’s “New Artist of the Month” and “One to Watch” by Gramophone Magazine. Stephen Waarts has been praised for “his clear and sharp sound” and “unparalleled technique” (Crescendo Magazine). Juho Pohjonen “has both impeccable technique and a clear-eyed approach to music” (Washington Post).

Jonathan Swensen Cello, Stephen Waarts Violin and Juho Pohjonen Piano

SF Performances audiences know exuberant cellist Jay Campbell as a member of the JACK Quartet and Junction Trio. This season welcomes his return with pianist Conor Hanick—both accomplished interpreters of music new and old. They dig in to an eclectic program showcasing Campbell’s “gentle, poignant, and deeply moving” artistry”(Washington Post) and Hanick’s “technical refinement, color, crispness, and wondrous variety of articulation”.

Jay Campbell | Cello & Conor Hanick | Piano

“In a career that’s lasted more than half a century, Pepe Romero has proven himself to be an important part of the classical guitar’s 20th-century revival,” according to Limelight. How we listen to classical guitar—and what we listen to—we owe in part to the Romero family, and Pepe has been among its most active and influential members. Join us for this solo recital celebrating his 80th birthday and more than seven decades on the professional stage.

Pepe Romero | Guitar

Javier Perianes has maintained a lifelong passion for music ignited in childhood in a small home village in Spain. He is among the most active and acclaimed pianists of our time, and his performances are infused with energy and excitement that powerfully draw listeners into his world of freshness and wonder. “He really is an exquisite musician”.

Javier Perianes | Piano

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 3

With an ”electrifying sense of fearlessness” (San Francisco Chronicle), Raehann Bryce-Davis has made the opera and concert world sit up and take notice of her abundant energy and magnetic style. A gifted singing actress, she has a distinctive point of view in recital programs that bring together voices and stories old and new that resonate with love and courage, resilience and humanity.

Raehann Bryce-Davis | Mezzo-Soprano

For the ninth year of PIVOT, guest curator Gabriel Kahane and friends dig deep into music that asks enduring and enlightening questions about our ever-changing world and seeks the uplift of answers rooted in shared experience. Gabriel Kahane is a musician and storyteller whose work exists at the intersection of art and social practice, and “his music is suffused with idiosyncratic, enriched tonal harmony…he is one of the finest, most searching songwriters of the day” (The New Yorker). “We’re living in a golden age of string quartets…It’s hard to disagree when you hear the vibrant young players in New York’s Attacca Quartet” (NPR). Grammy-winning vocal band Roomful of Teeth can seemingly make anything cool, “From death metal to throat singing to alpine yodeling, the experimental group is changing what it means to harmonize” (The New Yorker).

Gabriel Kahane | Attacca Quartet Roomful of Teeth

For the ninth year of PIVOT, guest curator Gabriel Kahane and friends dig deep into music that asks enduring and enlightening questions about our ever-changing world and seeks the uplift of answers rooted in shared experience. Gabriel Kahane is a musician and storyteller whose work exists at the intersection of art and social practice, and “his music is suffused with idiosyncratic, enriched tonal harmony…he is one of the finest, most searching songwriters of the day” (The New Yorker). Grammy-winning vocal band Roomful of Teeth can seemingly make anything cool, “From death metal to throat singing to alpine yodeling, the experimental group is changing what it means to harmonize” (The New Yorker).

Gabriel Kahane | Roomful of Teeth

For the ninth year of PIVOT, guest curator Gabriel Kahane and friends dig deep into music that asks enduring and enlightening questions about our ever-changing world and seeks the uplift of answers rooted in shared experience. Gabriel Kahane is a musician and storyteller whose work exists at the intersection of art and social practice, and “his music is suffused with idiosyncratic, enriched tonal harmony…he is one of the finest, most searching songwriters of the day” (The New Yorker). “We’re living in a golden age of string quartets…It’s hard to disagree when you hear the vibrant young players in New York’s Attacca Quartet” (NPR).

Gabriel Kahane | Attacca Quartet

San Francisco Performances favorite Jonathan Biss returns with an ambitious and intriguing series of recitals that ask contemporary American composers of three generations to consider and musically respond to the legacy of Franz Schubert. Alvin Singleton (b. 1940) draws inspiration from a wide stream including folk and spiritual, classical and pop, with often surprising and theatrical nuance. At just 23, Tyson Gholston Davis has been commissioned by an astonishing array of artists and ensembles, including the Juilliard String Quartet and Eighth Blackbird.

Jonathan Biss’s boundless curiosity about humanity and art make him a thoughtful and compelling performer. He is known for assembling programs that plumb the depths of history, explore sparks of creativity and affirm the unity of shared experience. San Francisco Classical Voice called him, “a pianist whose probing, incisive, and deeply considered performances are consistently challenging and rewarding.”

Boasting a powerful, accomplished style and the ability to perform practically anything, the Beijing Guitar Duo is credited with inspiring and energizing the next generation of classical guitarists. “The Beijing Guitar Duo’s performance was a model of elegant clarity, sumptuously beautiful tone production, and emotional contrast” (San Francisco Classical Voice). Legendary guitarist Manuel Barrueco proclaimed them “the best guitar duo in the world.”

Beijing Guitar Duo

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco

In an ingenious chain of inspirations spanning 220 years, the Castalian String Quartet’s program—and the Turnage commission featured on it—mark the 100th anniversary of Janáček’s Kreutzer Sonata quartet. For his new quartet, Turnage returned to words by the Beethoven sonata’s original dedicatee for inspiration. The Castalian Quartet are “a feisty group, with a real personality and strong interpretative ideas”.

Castalian String Quartet

Musical America recently marveled at Stephen Hough’s “tightly fashioned programs…melodic jewels that twinkle and shine with a multi-faceted brilliance.” His astonishing career can be traced over three decades of satisfying SF Performances recitals witnessing his thoughtful selection of music, emotional resonance, and a style full of joy and wit.

Stephen Hough | Piano

A rare foursome devoted to contemporary music, from the celebratory to the cerebral. The Dublin Guitar Quartet has piloted an impressive list of premieres, new work and original arrangements from compositional giants—and works audiences clamor to hear—delivered with tremendous vitality and style. “A wonderful ensemble. The Dublin Guitar Quartet has carved a place for itself in the world of classical music.”

Dublin Guitar Quartet

Be among the first Bay Area audiences to hear the debuts of Miranda Cuckson and Blair McMillen. These two internationally celebrated young artists, noted for their innate expressivity, musical dexterity, and boundlessly evident love for music and live performance. “Her command of line and naturalness of expression leave little doubt that Miranda Cuckson is an artist to be reckoned with” (Gramophone). “When played by the formidable Mr. McMillen, any piece sounds terrific”.

Miranda Cuckson | Violin & Blair McMillen | Piano

“Our leading new-music foursome,” is simply and clearly how The New York Times describes the JACK Quartet. Through close collaboration with today’s most exciting and sought-after composers, JACK inspires and infuses new works with tremendous energy and riveting attention.

JACK Quartet

Awarded the Cooper Prize for non-fiction for his book, Schubert’s Winter Journey: Anatomy of an Obsession, English tenor Ian Bostridge brings the receipts for this recital of Schubert’s engrossing song cycle. His credentials as artist and biographer lend a depth and breadth of insight and understanding to these gloriously brooding settings of 24 poems that evoke facets of love and loss. “There can be few singers, indeed, who have explored this material with as much diligence as he has brought to it”.

Ian Bostridge | Tenor

“Few string quartets can command the stage like the Calder Quartet,” declared The Washington Post of this versatile and vibrant ensemble that excels equally at composer collaborations and standard-setting performances of classics. They set out to do just that with two programs mixing it up with chamber music milestones and thrilling new voices. In this program with Timo Andres, a trio of diverse contemporary composers provides sonic contrast and context to Schubert.

Award-winning young Australian guitar phenomenon Stephanie Jones makes her SF Performances debut. A “guitarists’ guitarist,” she is highly regarded among her peers as well as an audience and critical favorite. “The classical guitar has found a brilliant interpreter in Stephanie Jones. She delivers a magical sound with the deepest musical expressions.”

Stephanie Jones | Guitar

A Leonard Bernstein and Opus Klassik Award winner for best young artist, Isata Kanneh-Mason returns to SF Performances as she continues to move and inspire audiences worldwide. “She plays with unreserved power when necessary, thundering forth full-bodied chords that combine sonorous weight and perfectly rounded edges”.

Isata Kanneh-Mason | Piano

It’s hard to keep eyes and ears off this accomplished and charismatic artist. “I want people to feel like they’re listening to someone who has something thoughtful and meaningful to say,” says Lawrence Brownlee, who returns to SF Performances after his 2018 debut. Brownlee is deeply thoughtful about his connection to audiences, through selection of repertory and musical storytelling.

Lawrence Brownlee Tenor and Kevin Miller Piano

Suave-toned and supremely inspired, baritone Benjamin Appl makes his SF Performances debut in a varied and energetic program of songs and lieder. The New York Times notes Appl as “[F]earlessly physical, with a broad palette of tones and styles.” A Gramophone Award Young Artist of the year and BBC New Generation Artist just a few years ago, his popularity and acclaim continue to rise. He’ll be accompanied by James Baillieu, who is described by The Daily Telegraph as “in a class of his own.” Baillieu is one of the leading song and chamber music pianists of his generation.

Benjamin Appl | Baritone & James Baillieu | Piano

The New York Times dubbed this deep-thinking pianist “Iceland’s Glenn Gould” for his charismatic performance style, breathtaking energy, and intense focus. He has recorded and performed everything from Bach and Mozart to Glass and Adams to enthusiastic audiences and reviews in Europe and the Americas.

Víkingur Ólafsson | Piano

A performance reunion of sorts bringing together opera star J’Nai Bridges and Grammy®-winning jazz trailblazer Ulysses Owens Jr., SF Performances’ new artist-in-residence. Bridges and Owens were students together before their paths diverged, each becoming luminaries in their respective genres. “Her voice is a rich blanket of plush sound” (Opera News). “Clear, purposeful communication has anchored Ulysses Owens Jr.’s artistry since he was a kid playing drums in church” (Downbeat).

J’Nai Bridges | Mezzo-soprano & Ulysses Owens Jr. | Percussion

“One in a million…several million” is how The Independent (UK) describes powerfully compelling pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. The London-based Doric Quartet is one of Europe’s hottest young ensembles. “It’s hugely enjoyable to be led through these subtle, wonderful works by such enthusiastic guides” (The Strad).

Benjamin Grosvenor | Piano & Doric String Quartet

They’re not just for the dark ages anymore! This “highwire vocal act” of three women can sing anything—and they do—from ancient to contemporary music with a cappella flair and intense vocal command. “The three women of the Norwegian Trio Mediæval can look back proudly over 20 years of uncovering the often mysterious and mystical music written centuries before the cantatas of Bach or the masses of Palestrina” (New Zealand Herald).

Trio Mediæval

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

“For much of the concert, the audience had to remember to breathe…the exhilaration didn’t let up for a second until her hands came off the keyboard” (Washington Post). Piano firebrand Lise de la Salle returns to SF Performances with boundless energy and a riveting performance style.

Lise de la Salle | Piano

This is your chance to catch one of the world’s great musical ensembles on its final tour. The Emerson String Quartet has maintained its place as a universally acclaimed and unflaggingly popular quartet for more than 40 years. In addition to definitive interpretations, these four artists infuse their performances with emotional impact and personality. “With musicians like this, there must be some hope for humanity” (The Times of London).

Emerson String Quartet

Grammy®-winner Jason Vieaux is “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation,” according to NPR. He is well known for a relaxed and affable stage presence paired with a fierce and flexible technique described as “virtuosic, flamboyant, dashing and, sometimes ineffably lyrical” (New York Times). “Equal parts poise, radiance, and elegant directness,” (Opera News) double Grammy®-winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke is at home and in demand from the world’s opera houses to intimate concert halls.

Jason Vieaux | Guitar & Sasha Cooke | Mezzo-Soprano

The members of France’s Modigliani Quartet are artistic heirs to legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, having been named co-directors of the Evian Festival he oversaw. Not yet two decades old, the Modigliani Quartet has won prizes and hearts with captivating artistry. Reinvigorating traditional chamber music, “There’s a bright, youthful spark to the Modigliani Quartet’s playing” (Guardian, UK).

Modigliani Quartet

SF Performances audiences know Alina Ibragimova from her galvanizing solo recitals, and now she returns with her Quartet. The Chiaroscuro Quartet fuses the raw, pure sound of historical strings with powerful, contemporary technique in performances “played with enormous conviction and power by this very stylish ensemble” (Gramophone).

Chiaroscuro Quartet

Sought-after soloists on their own, this “super-trio” has always devoted time to performing together since they were students in London. The result is an uncanny performance precision and warm camaraderie on stage. The London Telegraph enthused, “If any piano trio could achieve star status, it’s surely this one.”

Nicola Benedetti/Leonard Elschenbroich/Alexei Grynyuk Trio

A happy habit for a generation of San Francisco Performances concertgoers devoted to spending Saturday mornings with great music and fun, informative commentary. Deftly placed into compelling context by Robert Greenberg, our music historian-in-residence, each program features complete works performed by the Alexander String Quartet.
This season, the five look back 100 years to the tumultuous social and political era of the early 20th century—times not unlike our own—and explore enduring works of the great music it produced. Programs will include works by Debussy, Ravel, Webern, Schoenberg, Sibelius, Bartók, Elgar, and Vaughan Williams.

Alexander String Quartet & Robert Greenberg | Host

She brings equal brightness to acoustic and electric guitars and a seeping diversity of music—old and new, traditional and classical, free improv and the undefinable. “One of the 21 composers/performers who sound like tomorrow” (Washington Post), JIJI is the first guitarist to win the prestigious Concert Artists Guild Award in 30 years, making her a must-hear, once-in-a-generation artist.

JiJi | Guitar

“Two Danes and a Swede walked into a pub…no, not the opening line of a joke; rather, the beginning of a musical collaboration that has produced some of the most exciting new music to emanate from Scandinavia,” asserts Folk Radio. A fresh, driving force in Nordic music, Dreamers’ Circus takes off from deep folk traditions with ancient and modern instruments and gives voice to a newly forged amalgamation of history and sound.

Dreamers’ Circus

Join us for season two of the Catalyst Quartet’s Uncovered series with guest artists bringing to broader recognition the music of historic composers whose works have rarely been heard. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Joshua Kosman put it best when he wrote, “You and I could go to chamber concerts for years and never hear a program as full of surprises and discovery as this one. And we’ve been missing out.”

Catalyst Quartet

Shining at the top of a new wave of guitarists, Sean Shibe creates imaginative programs aglow with innovation, new music, and passionate insights into classics. The Guardian enthused, “What’s really striking is the way in which Shibe sustains a world of intensity and introspection through playing that buzzes with vitality.” Named BBC New Generation Artists, the Van Kuijk Quartet’s “unanimity, tonal blend and intonation are close to flawless” (Gramophone).

Sean Shibe | Guitar & Van Kuijk Quartet

Midori has astonishingly reinvented herself and much of the music world many times over by simply staying her course with integrity, innovation, and stunning artistry for four decades. Her style combines a deeply curious mind, generosity of spirit, and brilliant command of the violin. This season we celebrate the 40th anniversary of her legendary New York Philharmonic debut with two different programs.

Midori | Violin 2nd Concert

Midori | Violin 1st Concert

Revered American soprano Dawn Upshaw and the unparalleled Brentano String Quartet come together for a new performance project. Sparked by the famous “Dido’s Lament” from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Dido Reimagined focuses on “the emotional journey of a powerful woman who has, in spite of her strength of character, been broken by love. Through the lens of the seasons, Dido discovers, confronts, and ultimately makes peace with her fate and with her place in the world” (Composer Melinda Wagner).

Dawn Upshaw | Soprano & Brentano String Quartet

Opera World Magazine describes Andrea González Caballero as “the female voice of the Spanish guitar.” Joined by Russian-born flamenco guitarist Grisha Goryachev, whose life was forever changed after being invited to play for flamenco virtuoso Paco de Lucía, the two come together for an evening of music from Spain.

Andrea González Caballero | Guitar & Grisha Goryachev | Guitar

“Watching the trio perform, one really couldn’t tell who was happier to be there—the rapt audience or the musicians, who threw themselves into repertoire they clearly love,” reported the Boston Globe. This is an eclectic new group that re-envisions the concept of the piano trio. They raise the bar to a new level of performance excitement.

Junction Trio

Two tremendously accomplished Philip Glass specialists share the stage for a survey of some of his iconic keyboard works. Adam Tendler is recipient of the Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, a “remarkable and insightful musician” (LA Times), and “joyfully rocking out at his keyboard” (New York Times). Jenny Lin has more than 40 recordings to her credit and has been acclaimed for her “remarkable technical command” and “gift for melodic flow” (New York Times).

Philip Glass Mixtape

Danny Driver’s profound understanding of the music he plays reveals to audiences interpretations of striking originality. “This was a performance of dauntless clarity, understated wit and graceful vitality” (The Guardian UK).

Danny Driver | Piano

“Combining the old with the new, the Danish String Quartet have set sail on a joyous voyage” (Bachtrack.com). They look like they could be characters from Game of Thrones, but instead of marauding, they bring a sense of adventure to a wide range of music. The New York Times declares them “an exceptional quartet, whatever they play.”

Danish String Quartet

Renowned pianist András Schiff returns to the Herbst Theatre for an incomparable performance. “There are many things to marvel at in the playing of pianist András Schiff,” says the San Francisco Chronicle, and his many performances here over the years attest to his enduring popularity. In addition to performance acclaim, he is widely known for his warm humor and engaging presence.

Sir András Schiff | Piano

Boasting dual national honors from the Australian government and England’s Royale Academy of Music for her lifetime of contributions to vocal artistry, Angelika Kirchschlager is truly an international treasure. “The sustained focus and intensity of this performance of Winterreise was astonishing and almost hypnotic” (Opera Today).

Angelika Kirchschlager

Richard Goode is a pianist who other pianists flock to see—his performances are just that emotionally and technically satisfying. “Every time we hear him, he impresses us as better than we remembered, surprising us, surpassing our expectations and communicating perceptions that stay in the mind” (Gramophone).

Richard Goode - Piano

Hailed by the New York Times as one of the most impressive of American string quartets, the venerable Emerson String Quartet returns for another memorable performance at the Herbst Theatre. Performing and recording a range of repertoire from Bach to Harbison, this nine-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble continues to make significant and lasting contributions to the world of chamber music.

“Passion, precision, warmth, a gold blend: these are the trademarks of this excellent Israeli string quartet” said the New York Times. The Jerusalem Quartet prides itself on a warm, human tone and a sonorous balance. Its SF Performances program delves into what makes a “Romantic” string quartet sound, contrasting works by three composers associated with different aspects of romanticism.

In this multi-discipline program, Sean Jones and friends explore the cultural and spiritual crossroads of the African diaspora focusing on the life and music of Dizzy Gillespie to tell the story of the jazz it ultimately produced. “Jones is one of the finest young trumpeters in the business, recognized for his lyrical fluidity and high-tier facility,” says All About Jazz.

Sean Jones -Trumpet

A supple and expressive voice and the uncanny ability to tell stories through music have made Matthias Goerne a favorite of SF Performances audiences. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported on his seriousness and sensual allure, “probing each song for its emotional undercurrent, then bringing that vein to the surface in musical paragraphs of weightiness and simple elegance.” Seong-Jin Cho “is a master. He displayed an impressive variety of tonal colors and remarkable technique, dispatched with jaw-dropping panache” (The Wall Street Journal).

Matthias Goerne, Baritone and  Seong-Jin Cho, Pianist

Celin, Pepe, Celino and Lito Romero—members of the “Royal Family of the Guitar”—celebrate an astonishing 60th anniversary milestone. If you love classical guitar, chances are you have the prolific and peripatetic Romeros to thank for its popularity.

SFP The Romeros

The Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet returns to complete its series uncovering important American chamber music with what the New York Times calls “invariably energetic and finely burnished playing with earthy vigor.” Pianist Michelle Cann has championed the lush and complex works of Florence Price and is admired by other pianists for her “eloquence and authority.”

Catalyst Quartet with Michelle Cann Piano

The superb Quatuor Ébène has made a name for itself not only as an elegant purveyor of classical fare but also for jazz performances, according to the New York Times. The members of this young ensemble are musical omnivores, sharing a feast of wonderful music from many eras and genres with intense technical precision and energetic performances.

Ébène Quartet

“It’s easy to understand why David Russell gets invited back, season after season,” observed SF Classical Voice. His name is synonymous with sublime performances of a range of music, unflaggingly delivered with thoughtful interpretation and riveting precision. “I aim to help my listener really enjoy and see the same things that I see in the music, then I’m happy,” he says.

David Russell Guitar

“In a class on his own: Ilker Arcayürek has the kind of airy, easily ringing tenor that puts across words beautifully, with power in reserve yet a hint of vulnerability too” (The Guardian). This fast-rising tenor performs an all-Schubert recital, keenly organizing a selection of the composer’s songs to illustrate life’s path, negotiating themes including love, longing, inner peace and salvation. “Simon Lepper, whose prowess as a pianist is fused with a real sensitivity to words and to the voice, is a rarity indeed” (The Times, London).

 Ilker Arcayürek - tenor and  Simon Lepper - piano

The Pavel Haas Quartet returns to SF Performances on the eve of its 20th year as one of the world’s leading chamber groups. “Their sound is, as ever, immediately recognizable—partly due to the sheer richness of timbre but also the sense of four personalities at play…At times it is hard to believe you are in the presence of only four players, so intense is the sound” (Gramophone).

Pavel Haas Quartet

One of the world’s most prodigious and popular quartets, the Takács Quartet has thrilled audiences with its vitality and energy for more than four decades. “The quartet members, individually, in pairs or joyfully together, bring a perfect balance of individual understanding and ensemble cohesion,” according to Bachtrack. “Fleet-fingered accordionist” (Detroit Free Press) Julien Labro makes a delightfully welcome return to SF Performances.

Takács Quartet and Julien Labro - bandoneon

Mark Padmore “…did not so much sing this music as inhabit it,” is how the New York Times sums up the British tenor’s inherent ability to capture character and emotion in moving performances of a wide range of music. “It’s all about poetry and communication and putting the music across. It’s often in intimate situations where you’re best able to do that,” he told SF Classical Voice. Premising playful content on music that’s often familiar, composer-pianist Ethan Iverson was a founding member of The Bad Plus. While DownBeat calls him “a passionate dynamo at the crossroads of jazz and classical music,” The Wall Street Journal has also described his playing as “austere and elegant.”

Mark Padmore - tenor and Ethan Iverson - piano

Praised for their warm sound and powerful stage presence, the Esmé Quartet was formed by four Korean musicians who had been friends since childhood. Their incredible talent and strong musical personalities form a cohesive, close-knit group that is passionately dedicated to the string quartet repertoire. With recent performances at the Lucerne Festival, Wigmore Hall, and the 2018 Aix-en-Provence Festival, this young ensemble is definitely one to watch!

The New York Times reported that, “the words ‘superstar’ and ‘mandolinist’ still look odd next to each other. Yet in the classical music world they are starting to be joined with some frequency. Avi Avital was nothing short of electric.” The first mandolist nominated for a classical Grammy Award joins the adventurous Brooklyn Rider for an evening of virtuoso music for mandolin and strings.

Brooklyn Rider and Avi Avital Mandolin

Brooklyn Rider

Young British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason’s recording debut of the works of Clara Schumann had an auspicious launch at No. 1 on the U.K. Classical Charts in 2019. Gramophone proclaimed it “one of the most charming and engaging debuts.” She has seven musical siblings—including cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason—who are fast becoming Britain’s first family of classical music.

Isata Kanneh - piano

Renowned as a musical pioneer, cellist Matt Haimovitz has been praised by the New York Times as a “ferociously talented cellist who brings his megawatt sound and uncommon expressive gifts to a vast variety of styles.” In his solo program “Primavera”, he pairs unaccompanied Cello Suites by J.S. Bach with newer works that celebrate the return of spring.

Matt Haimovitz

Violinist Johnny Gandelsman’s solo performance pairs the unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 3 by J.S. Bach with newly commissioned works as part of his This Is America project. Celebrating the country’s rich cultural tapestry and myriad perspectives, the program also features composers Clarice Assad, Rhiannon Giddens, Tyshawn Sorey and Conrad Tao. The Boston Globe describes Gandelsman as “a delightfully unconventional fiddler…with a balletic lightness of touch and a sense of whimsy and imagination that are rare.”

Johnny Gandelsman - Violin

A rare guitar ensemble devoted to contemporary music, from the celebratory to the cerebral. The Dublin Guitar Quartet has piloted an impressive repertory of new work and original arrangements from compositional giants—and works audiences clamor to hear—delivered with tremendous style and vitality.

The Catalyst Quartet continues its exploration of compelling chamber works in this collaborative program with bass-baritone Dashon Burton, featuring the songs of Florence B. Price.

Catalyst Quartet with Dashon Burton Bass-Baritone

Bass-baritone Dashon Burton, described by Opera News as “reverberant and eloquent…with quiet authenticity, depth and tenderness,” brings a gentle note to an evening of song.

Dashon Burton Bass-Baritone

Dashon Burton; Bass-Baritone
Robert Mollicone - piano

Our second Salon, Les Parisiennes , focuses on the women composers trailblazing during the years of the Parisian Belle époque, with songs that broke barriers, pushing past the domestic confines of Paris’ salons to the city’s grand, public concert halls. The program includes works by Cecile Chaminade, Pauline Viardot , and Nadia and Lili Boulanger, performed by Nicholas Phan, plus soprano, mezzo-soprano and piano.

SFP Salons: Nicholas Phan Tenor

War Memorial Veterans Building

A great way to spend a Saturday morning! The beloved and famed Alexander String Quartet and Robert Greenberg explore the chamber music of Antonin Dvořák. These popular and casual concerts combine complete performances with commentary on the composer, his life, times and music bringing depth, insight and humor to the context.  No 19th-century composer wrote chamber music more joyful and melodically brilliant, or more accessible than the Bohemian born Antonin Dvořák (1841–1904). His work is remarkable for its straightforward expressive content, humor, grace and technical polish.

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