2011-2012 Season Brochure

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to San Francisco Performances’ 32nd season where we are proud to continue bringing great artists center stage!

This season we celebrate the many close relationships we enjoy with artists and audiences as a recognized leader in the world of performing arts presenters.

The Alexander String Quartet, our resident ensemble since 1989 in a unique partnership with San Francisco State University and the Morrison Chamber Music Center, is marking its 30th anniversary year. With the Alexander we initiated our award-winning education programs in the public schools and our popular Saturday Morning Series with Robert Greenberg. The Alexander String Quartet continues to greatly enrich the cultural life of the Bay Area with its magnificent music making. For its 30th anniversary, we are proud to have commissioned a vocal quintet for the Quartet and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato from composer/pianist Jake Heggie.

In 2011-12 we bring a fabulous array of great vocal artists including the long-awaited return of baritone Simon Keenlyside and San Francisco recital debuts by Karita Mattila and Stephanie Blythe. As a Special Event, we present the cabaret sensation Ute Lemper with the Vogler Quartet and our newest artist- in-residence, soprano Jessica Rivera, is on the Young Masters Series.

We continue our focus on creator/performers with the return of young Russian-born composer/pianist Lera Auerbach in a concert of her own works with guest artists, and one of our favorite pianists, Marc-André Hamelin, is back with a program that includes his own Études. In dance we eagerly anticipate the San Francisco debut of Wayne McGregor’s Random Dance and works not seen here from Batsheva’s Ohad Naharin and Karole Armitage.

The great Leif Ove Andsnes returns in recital and for the first time we bring distinguished pianists Christian Zacharias and Pierre-Laurent Aimard as well as Sabine Meyer’s Trio di Clarone and the Ébène Quartet from Paris. Exciting new works include the intriguing Fragments: connecting past and present program from the Brentano Quartet and My Coma Dreams from Fred Hersch.

These are just some of the highlights of the upcoming season. Please take time to read through this brochure and join us as a season subscriber. As a subscriber you receive the best seats and many special benefits and significant savings off the single-ticket price.

I look forward to sharing many of our performances with you.

With best wishes,

Ruth A. FeltPresident, San Francisco Performances

Benefits of suBscriBing• Savings over single ticket prices:

- More than ever before—up to 19% off single ticket prices - 10% discount on single tickets all season long

• Priority seating

• Invitations to two Gift Concerts

• Ticket exchange privileges free of fees (non-subscribers are charged a $10 handling fee)

• Email concert reminder service

• Access to the exclusive subscriber hotline

• And more!

These are just some of the benefits you’ll receive when you subscribe to a San Francisco Performances season filled with events you won’t see anywhere else in the Bay Area. For complete information, see pages 16 & 17.

Order Now!mail the enclosed form, orcall 415.392.2545 or visit sfperformances.org

Key Dates:June 13, 2011 Subscription renewal deadline

July 18, 2011 New subscriber priority seating deadline

august 22, 2011 Single tickets go on sale!

sfperformanCes.org 1

A Letter from Ruth Felt . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front

Quick Order Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front

SPECIAL EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

32nd Season Gala (October 14)

Alexander String Quartet with Joyce DiDonato and Jake Heggie (February 4)

Ute Lemper and the Vogler Quartet (March 31)

VOCAL Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano, and Warren Jones, piano (October 13)

Simon Keenlyside, baritone, and Malcolm Martineau, piano (October 27)

Karita Mattila, soprano, and Martin Katz, piano (December 6)

Christopher Maltman, baritone, and Malcolm Martineau, piano (January 19, RESCHEDULED from 2010–11)

Dawn Upshaw, soprano, and Stephen Prutsman, piano (January 28)

Matthias Goerne, baritone, and Leif Ove Andsnes, piano (April 23)

PIANO Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Marc-André Hamelin (November 2)

Alexander Melnikov (November 12)

Christian Zacharias (December 9)

Leif Ove Andsnes (February 9)

Pierre-Laurent Aimard (March 27)

CHAMBER Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Brentano String Quartet (December 4)

Alexander String Quartet with Joyce DiDonato and Jake Heggie (February 4)

Ébène Quartet (March 8)

Arditti Quartet (April 12)

VIRTUOSI Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Trio di Clarone (February 1)

Lera Auerbach, piano, Alisa Weilerstein, cello and Lina Tetriani, soprano (March 13)

Steven Isserlis, cello, and Robert Levin, fortepiano (May 19 & 20)

Isabelle Faust, violin, and Alexander Melnikov, piano (May 30)

DANCE Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Shantala Shivalingappa (November 1)

Wayne McGregor/Random Dance (November 11 & 12)

Batsheva (February 23–25)

Armitage Gone! Dance (May 18 & 19)

Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center Insert

2011-2012 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Your Benefits as a Subscriber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Become a Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SATURDAY MORNING Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg

Berkeley: October 29; December 3, 10 & 17

San Francisco: January 14, 28; February 18; May 5

GUITAR Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Xuefei Yang (October 29)

Eduardo Fernandez (December 10)

Zoran Dukic (January 27)

Chris Thile, mandolin (April 8)

JAZZ Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Fred Hersch, piano (October 30)

Regina Carter, violin (February 18)

Vijay Iyer Trio (April 7)

YOUNG MASTERS Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Joshua Roman, cello (January 29)

Nareh Arghamanyan, piano (April 1)

Jessica Rivera, soprano (April 29)

Arts Education & Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

FAMILY MATINEE Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Cypress String Quartet (October 1)

Le Jazz Hot (December 4)

Regina Carter, violin (February 19)

Armitage Gone! Dance (May 19)

Venue Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

2011-2012 season

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Frederica von Stade TributeSATURDAY, DECEMBER 3Herbst Theatre

Join San Francisco Performances, San Francisco Opera, Cal Performances,

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and San Francisco Conservatory of

Music as we celebrate the incredible career of beloved Bay Area

mezzo-soprano and international superstar Frederica von Stade. Since

San Francisco Performances presented her triumphant recital debut

30 years ago, she has returned many times to engage with our

audiences in memorable performances.

San Francisco Performances subscribers will receive the

first opportunity to purchase tickets to this special event.

More information to come.

Purchase a Special Event as part of a Make-Your-Own subscription or add a Special Event to a fixed series and save 10% off the regular ticket price.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

sUBsCriBe anD saVe!

32Nd Season Gala with

Leah Crocetto, soprano

Tamara Sanikidze, pianoFRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

6pm Cocktails, 7pm Dinner,

Live Auction and PerformanceThe City Club, San Francisco

Be part of the glamour and excitement of San Francisco Performances’ 32nd season launch through this sparkling gala benefitting our Arts Education programs in Bay Area schools and more. With cocktail hour, dinner, live auction and a thrilling performance, this will be an event to remember.

TICkETS START AT $400.

For more information about this special event, call 415.677.0326.

NOTE: the Gala May not be purChaseD as part oF a Make-your-own series or aDDeD onto a FixeD series.


SpecialeventS

Heggie is a rarity, an accessible composer whose melodic lines and sense of drama are aimed at audiences rather than academics. —associated press

JAKE HEGGIE: Camille Claudel, into the Fire

DEBUSSY: String Quartet; Songs by HAHN and FAURÉ

At 30 the celebrated Alexander String Quartet stands

as a premier ensemble the world over and the epitome

of West Coast chamber music inventiveness, energy

and panache. Join us for this special commemorative

concert with a new work by Jake Heggie for the

Quartet and guest artist, mezzo-soprano Joyce

DiDonato. Also sold as part of the Chamber Series.

See page 8 for more details.

Ute Lemper and Vogler Quartet SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $70/$55/$45

Ute Lemper, vocals

Tim Vogler, violin

Frank Reinecke, violin

Stefan Fehlandt, viola

Stephan Forck, cello

Stefan Malzew, clarinet and piano

SCHULHOFF, EISLER, WEILL, PIAF, BREL, SATIE and PIAZZOLLA

San Francisco Performances’ penchant for

creating unusual, engaging and intimate

programs shines in this clever pairing that

explores the boundaries between popular

and high art during one of history’s most

vibrant eras. Ute Lemper, the Vogler Quar-

tet and clarinetist Stefan Malzew embark on

an exciting journey bringing together Weimar

chansons and the Classical works they influ-

enced. From Weill to Piazzolla, from Schulhoff

to Piaf, this is an extraordinary portrait of the

cultural melting pot of 1920’s Europe.

Alexander String Quartet 30th AnniversAry with

Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano

Jake Heggie, composer/pianist

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $70/$55/$45

Zakarias Grafilo, violin

Frederick Lifsitz, violin

Paul Yarbrough, viola

Sandy Wilson, cello

The world of cabaret can be divided into two distinct categories: Ute Lemper and everyone else ... —Chicago tribune

WORLD PREMIERE

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Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano

Warren Jones, pianoTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium $68/$55/$38

A rare recital appearance by dramatic mezzo Stephanie Blythe,

who has the chameleon-like ability to finesse an array of repertoire

and roles. Initially hailed as the successor to the great Marilyn Horne,

her career has rapidly grown to encompass music from Baroque to

bel canto and from Classical to contemporary with “compelling

immediacy and subtle differentiation” (wall street Journal).

Ms. Blythe’s performance had everything: rich colorings, unforced power, exquisite phrasing and impressively agile coloratura runs. —the new yorker

Simon Keenlyside, baritone

Malcolm Martineau, pianoTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium: $68/$55/$38

Songs by MAHLER, R. STRAUSS, DEBUSSY, DUPARC and BUTTERWORTH

A charismatic, versatile singer and natural actor with

commanding stage presence, Simon Keenlyside has

been lauded for roles from Billy Budd to Prospero. But

the true essence of his artistry can be experienced best

in the intimacy of the recital hall, where his reputation

as a gifted, lyrical storyteller is vibrantly apparent.

Keenlyside ruled the stage, with a performance that was both thrillingly physical…and search-ingly musical. —the new yorker

Karita Mattila, soprano

Martin Katz, pianoTUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium: $68/$55/$38

Songs by POULENC, DEBUSSY, AULIS SALLINEN,

MARX and others

Glamorous and intense, this Finnish powerhouse

soprano is known to standing-room-only audiences

for her thrilling, hard-edged top notes, “unabashed

romantic longing” (new york times) and gripping

characterizations. She is the kind of artist that puts

the grand in grand opera, as in San Francisco Opera’s

the Makropoulos Case last season, “a performance

of chilling exactitude and fearlessness” (san Fran-cisco Chronicle).

The opportunity to hear one of the world’s great artists doing the work she does better than anyone else—[is] the reason you go to concerts. —the new yorker


vocalDawn Upshaw, soprano

Stephen Prutsman, pianoSATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium: $68/$55/$38

Songs by PURCELL, DOWLAND, BACH, HAYDN, BARTóK, DEBUSSY, SCHUBERT, SCHUMANN, RACHMANINOFF, RUTH CRAWFORD SEEGER, RICHARD RODGERS and DONNACHA DENNEHY

This beloved American soprano combines natural warmth

with a deeply felt belief in the communicative and trans-

formational power of music. Upshaw’s diverse and devoted

audiences attest to her ability to reach directly into the heart

and soul of each song and role. Her commitment to authentic

and emotionally powerful repertoire has elevated her to one

of today’s most distinguished artists.

Her secret weapon is a casual, unpretentious demeanor that lessens the distance between stage and audience. —boston Globe

Matthias Goerne, baritone

Leif Ove Andsnes, pianoMONDAY, APRIL 23, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium: $68/$55/$38

Songs by MAHLER and SHOSTAKOVICH

Matthias Goerne enthralls audiences with his sensual and beguiling

approach and “crushed velvet” baritone (Financial times, London),

and is acclaimed as the master of lieder today. Songs from the

German Classical, Romantic and modern repertoires glow through

his burnished tone and the smoldering earthiness of his style.

Leif Ove Andsnes shines a bright, passionate interpretive light on

everything he performs.

Goerne sounded intent on finding a balance between seriousness and sheer sensual allure. —san Francisco Chronicle

Christopher Maltman, baritone

Malcolm Martineau, pianoTHURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium: $68/$55/$38

Christopher Maltman returns to San Francisco Performances

in a recital rescheduled from March, 2011. This recital is not part of the 2011-2012 Vocal Series. Tickets may be purchased as

a subscription add-on, as part of a Make-Your-Own Series or

as single tickets.

Save more than ever before—up to 13% when you purchase the entire Vocal Series.All five performances for just: Premium $295/$260/$175.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

EVENT RESCHEDULED FROM 2010-2011 SEASON

SUPPORT THIS PERFORMANCE AS A CONCERT PARTNER, SEE PAGE 19.

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Leif Ove Andsnes THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 8PM Herbst Theatre

Premium $68/$55/$38

CHOPIN: Nocturnes, Op 62; Four Ballades DEBUSSY: estampes; images, Book 1

Elegant and eloquent, Leif Ove

Andsnes’ performances are

“vibrant” and “brilliant” (the new york times), with a poetic under-

standing of the nature of music,

mastery of his instrument and a

visceral connection with audiences.

Don’t miss an intimate recital by “one

of the most gifted musicians of his

generation” (wall street Journal).

Andsnes showed the self-evident presence that is the hallmark of a master musician. —washington post

Marc-André Hamelin WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 8PM Herbst Theatre

Premium $68/$55/$38

HAMELIN: Études (selections) BERG: Sonata, Op. 1

LISZT: Sonata in B minor

Phenomenal and intellectual, visionary

and scholar, composer/pianist Marc-André

Hamelin infuses his repertoire with a distinc-

tive personality. He is a remarkable virtuoso

blending emotion and intellect in a way that

makes him “a one-of-a-kind concert artist”

(los angeles times). His show-stopping

Études have earned a place among similarly

commanding works by Chopin and Liszt.

The most intellectually and digitally formidable pianist alive. —Gramophone

The SheNSoN PiaNo SerieS iS Made PoSSible by Fred M. leviN aNd NaNcy liviNGSToN, The SheNSoN FouNdaTioN

Save more than ever before—up to 11% when you purchase the entire Piano Series.All five performances for just: Premium $295/$260/$175.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

sUBsCriBe anD saVe!



pianoAlexander Melnikov SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2–5PMSan Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall

Premium $60/$35

SHOSTAKOVICH: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87

In one of the most anticipated recital debuts of the

season, this Russian piano sensation will perform

Shostakovich’s homage to the genius of Bach. The

rarely performed complete tour de force set of

works in every major and minor key is regarded as a

pinnacle of modern piano music. Melnikov’s interpre-

tation of this work has been heralded as an “electrify-

ing and rhapsodic” standard (new york times).

Christian Zacharias FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $68/$55/$38

C.P.E. BACH: Sonata in A minor; Rondo in C minor

BRAHMS: klavierstücke, Op. 119

BEETHOVEN: Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 110

SCHUBERT: Sonata in D Major, D. 850

Pianist and conductor Christian Zacharias brings a keen

ear and expansive expressiveness to his performances

with a “crispness” of articulation, “jeweled clarity” and

“characterful interpretation” (Gramophone). This brilliant

artist explores a program of late Classical to Romantic

works that bridge the transitional period from late 18th

to early 19th centuries.

Superior and sparkling pianism are just the beginning of Zacharias’ virtues. —los angeles times

Melnikov’s playing has wonderful color and imagination. . . —Frankfurter allgemeine

Pierre-Laurent Aimard TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $68/$55/$38

DEBUSSY: Preludes, Book 2 Works by SCHUMANN and KURTÁG

From Bach to Bartók, Classical to contemporary, Pierre-Laurent Aimard

transcends tradition and inspires listeners through sheer great artistry.

He brings an unflagging inventiveness to programming, “but no one has

taken this kind of explora-

tion to the exhilarating

extremes of the brilliant

French pianist Pierre-

Laurent Aimard” (new york times).

Aimard’s performance was alert, sharply etched, and remarkably virtuosic. —boston Globe

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The Alexander Quartet [is] right up there with the best on today’s international scene. —san Francisco Chronicle

Commissioned for Joyce DiDonato and the Alexander

String Quartet by San Francisco Performances and

funded by a generous gift from Linda and Stuart Nelson.

JAKE HEGGIE: Camille Claudel, into the Fire

DEBUSSY: String Quartet; Songs by HAHN and FAURÉ

The Alexander String Quartet’s anniversary year is

celebrated in a newly commissioned collaborative

vocal quintet by composer Jake Heggie and librettist

Gene Scheer featuring mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.

This work is based on the life of French sculptor Camille

Claudel, Rodin’s lover, a confidante of Debussy and

a genius in her own right. This concert is also a

Special Event (see page 3).

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $70/$55/$45

Zakarias Grafilo, violin

Frederick Lifsitz, violin

Paul Yarbrough, viola

Sandy Wilson, cello

Alexander String Quartet 30th AnniversAry with

Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano

Jake Heggie, composer/pianist

Brentano String QuartetSUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

Mark Steinberg, violin

Serena Canin, violin

Misha Amory, viola

Nina Lee, cello

Fragments: connecting past and present

The Brentanos are a magnificent string quartet... This was wonderful, selfless music-making. —the times (London)

In a San Francisco Performances co-commissioned project, the Brentano String

Quartet has invited six of today’s most imaginative composers to engage with

other composers’ unfinished pieces to weave compelling new musical works.

The new compositions will be played alongside the original ones to create an

exciting evening of dialogue between music of the past and music of our present.

Compelling composer pairings for the evening include Bach/Sofia Gubaidulina,

Haydn/John Harbison, Mozart/Vijay Iyer, Schubert/Bruce Adolphe and

Shostakovich/Stephen Hartke.

WORLD PREMIERE

Save more than ever before—up to 10% when you purchase the entire Chamber Series.All four performances for just: Premium $225/$190/$150.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!


Ébène QuartetTHURSDAY, MARCH 8, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

Pierre Colombet, violin

Gabriel Le Magadure, violin

Mathieu Herzog, viola

Raphaël Merlin, cello

MOZART: String Quartet in D minor, K. 421

BORODIN: String Quartet No. 2 in D Major

RAVEL: String Quartet in F Major

San Francisco Performances leads the way in introducing

new artists to Bay Area audiences. The tradition continues

with the debut of this irreverent, high-energy quartet from

Paris. Impeccably classically trained, its members grew

up playing jazz and rock for fun, and their performances

hold an iconoclastic, thrilling undercurrent in both core

repertoire and new music.

The word is out about the Ébène Quartet— these guys can play anything. —national public radio

Arditti QuartetTHURSDAY, APRIL 12, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

Irvine Arditti, violin

Ashot Sarkissjan, violin

Ralf Ehlers, viola

Lucas Fels, cello

BEETHOVEN: Grosse Fuge, Op. 133BERG: String Quartet, Op. 3ADÈS: arcadiana BARTóK: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major

Breathtaking, spirited and risk-taking, the Arditti Quartet has created a “big bang” of chamber music repertoire since 1974 by commissioning and premiering hundreds of new works, leaving an indelible mark on the music of the 20th and early 21st centuries. The Arditti’s performances are literally the stuff of which music history is made and an opportunity to hear them in person can be a life-altering moment.


chamber

The Arditti Quartet continues to treat music as something of crucial importance and endless amazement. —los angeles times

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Lera Auerbach is one of the most widely performed

composer/pianists of her generation. The lyrical

inventiveness and intimacy of her craft are best

heard in the poetic sensitivity of her chamber

playing. She is joined by friends Alisa Weilerstein,

whom the philadelphia inquirer called “a galvanizing

cellist,” and soprano Lina Tetriani.

A special poetry reading by Lera Auerbach of her

work will be held Sunday, March 11. Details to be

announced.

A Sponsors’ Reception follows this performance.

For details, see Sponsor-level benefits on page 19.

Weilerstein and Auerbach proved a formidable duo, find-ing a joint rhythmic groove in the more extravagantly athletic preludes and collaborating in tender sympathy for the more lyrical moments.

—san Francisco Chronicle

Lera Auerbach, composer/pianist

Alisa Weilerstein, cello

Lina Tetriani, sopranoTUESDAY, MARCH 13, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

AUERBACH: Last Letter for voice, cello and piano; Sonata for Cello and Piano; 24 Preludes for Piano

Steven Isserlis, cello

Robert Levin, fortepianoSATURDAY, MAY 19, 8PM

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 7PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

BEETHOVENMay 19:

Variations on a Theme from Judas Maccabeus; Cello Sonata in F Major; 12 Variations in F on “Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen” from Die Zauberflöte; Horn Sonata (transcribed for cello); Cello Sonata in A Major

May 20: 7 Variations on “Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen” from Die Zauberflöte; Cello Sonata in G minor; Cello Sonata in C Major; Cello Sonata in D Major

No better pairing than Isserlis and Levin could scale

the heights of Beethoven’s rapturous Romanticism

and probe the depths of his brooding darkness.

Both artists bring substance and intellect to the

enterprise while connecting to audiences as

performers full of insights, intensity and humor.

Robert Greenberg Beethoven LectureWEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 7:30PMHerbst Theatre$25

San Francisco Performances Music Historian-in-Residence Robert Greenberg will give a

special lecture on the repertoire to be performed this season by Steven Isserlis, Robert

Levin, Isabelle Faust and Alexander Melnikov. Greenberg deftly and humorously brings

to life the music, culture, romance and politics of Beethoven’s time to shed light on these

performances of his works. Free for San Francisco Performances subscribers (subject to

availability—you must call or indicate on the order form to reserve your space).

Isserlis can turn a single note into a smile or a lament. —the Guardian (UK)

Save more than ever before—up to 10% when you purchase the entire Virtuosi Series. Series includes both Isserlis/Levin dates.All five performances for just: Premium $270/$230/$175.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!


Isabelle Faust, violin

Alexander Melnikov, piano WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

BEETHOVEN: Sonata in A Major, Op. 12, No. 2

Sonata in A Major, Op. 47, “Kreutzer”

Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3

Sonata in G Major, Op. 96, No. 10

A fast-rising partnership on the international horizon,

Isabelle Faust and Alexander Melnikov boast multiple

prize-winning recordings—including a 2010 Grammy

nomination for their Beethoven Sonatas—and tour

schedules that rival those of artists twice their ages.

Faust sports an energetic and irreverent approach

to performing what strings magazine refers to as

“a refreshingly devil-may-care attitude that even

Mephistopheles would admire,” backed by dizzying

technique and a virtuosic repertoire.

Faust and Melnikov make this music live and breathe more thrillingly than in any recent recording I can recall. —The Times (London)

virtUoSi


Trio di ClaroneWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $60/$50/$38

MOZART: Three Arias from the Marriage of Figaro; Divertimento No. 1; Four Arias from Cosí fan tutte

POULENC: Sonata for 2 clarinets; STRAVINSKY: Three pieces for clarinet solo

J.S. BACH: French Suite No. 5; C.P.E. BACH: Duet in C Major

With highly original programs and a star instrumentalist like Sabine Meyer, Trio di Clarone is

one of the most unusual and popular chamber music ensembles to emerge in decades. This

clarinet trio has delighted period instrument buffs, early music aficionados and just plain lov-

ers of great chamber music by focusing on historic works for basset horn and clarinet, paired

with modern and contemporary music.

Sabine MeyerReiner WehleWolfgang Meyer

Sabine Meyer was fantastic, quite the most articulate and adroit clarinetist I’ve ever heard. —san Francisco Classical Voice

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Shantala ShivalingappaFeaturing musicians from indiaTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium $50/$40/$35

swayambhu

This magnetic actor/dancer has been the talk of the dance world for her

gripping, precise and dramatic performances of kuchipudi, a classical

Indian dance form that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. Her works

sparkle with the narrative universality of epic movement. She was

a hit of the 2009-10 San Francisco Performances Dance Series

and audiences have eagerly anticipated her return.

Of all the dance artists and companies debuting in the Bay Area this season, none has arrived trailing the mystique of the luminous Indian classical dancer Shantala Shivalingappa. —san Francisco Chronicle

Wayne McGregor/Random DanceFRIDAY AND SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AND 12, 8PMNovellus Theater at YBCA

Premium $50/$40/$35

entity

Wayne McGregor has quickened the pulses of Bay Area

dance audiences with his works for San Francisco Ballet,

and now brings his own fast and articulate company from

London. entity is a breathtaking hour-long trip through a

blend of bodies, lights, technology and film, set to music

by Coldplay and Massive Attack collaborator Jon Hopkins.

This work shows McGregor as one of

the most cutting edge figures

in contemporary dance.

If any artist has defined the decade– it’s Wayne McGregor. —the times (London)

Save more than ever before—up to 11% when you purchase the entireDance Series. All four performances for just: Premium $190/$160/$125.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!


DanceBatshevaTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 8PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 8PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 8PM Novellus Theater at YBCA

Premium $60/$50/$35

Max

Batsheva has become an enduring favorite of San Francisco Performances audiences.

Artistic Director Ohad Naharin’s Max runs the gamut of movement from intimate,

controlled and minimal to expansive, and from solo to hypnotic full-company coun-

terpoint. Less theatrical than many of his other works, Max expounds and celebrates

the potential of the human body and the possibilities of choreography in a powerful

tour de force of formalism and technical mastery.

This is dancing that not only impresses, it puts a twitch in your limbs. —the Guardian (UK)


Armitage Gone! DanceFRIDAY, MAY 18, 8PM

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 8PMNovellus Theater at YBCA

Premium $50/$40/$35

three theories

Inspired by physicist Brian Greene’s best-selling

book, the elegant universe, “Punk Ballerina”

(Vanity Fair) Karole Armitage has created

a daring, high-speed work of elegance

and force. Her response to Greene’s

take on string theory is a sonic and

pictorial interplay between video

and kinetic imagery and live and

electronic sounds exploring

geometry, patterns in space

and structures of rhythm.

Armitage’s work is vivid, ideas tearing through bodies and escaping, movement as bold in contrast as the orchestral sonorities. —Financial times (London)

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OCTOBER

Sat 1 11am Cypress String Quartet (Family/Herbst)Thu 13 8pm Stephanie Blythe/Warren Jones (Vocal/Herbst)Fri 14 6pm 32nd Season Gala (The City Club)Thu 27 8pm Simon Keenlyside/Malcolm Martineau (Vocal/Herbst)Sat 29 10am ASQ/Greenberg—Berkeley (ASQ/St. John’s)Sat 29 8pm Xuefei Yang (Guitar/Herbst)Sun 30 7pm Fred Hersch (Jazz /Herbst)

NOVEMBER

Tue 1 8pm Shantala Shivalingappa (Dance/Herbst)Wed 2 8pm Marc-André Hamelin (Piano/Herbst)Fri 11 8pm Wayne McGregor/Random Dance (Dance/YBCA)Sat 12 8pm Wayne McGregor/Random Dance (Dance/YBCA)Sat 12 2pm Alexander Melnikov (Piano/SF Conservatory)

DECEMBER

Sat 3 10am ASQ/Greenberg—Berkeley (ASQ/St. John’s)Sat 3 Frederica Von Stade Tribute (Special/Herbst)Sun 4 11am Le Jazz Hot (Family/Herbst)Sun 4 7pm Brentano String Quartet (Chamber/Herbst)Tue 6 8pm Karita Mattila/Martin Katz (Vocal/Herbst)Fri 9 8pm Christian Zacharias (Piano/Herbst)Sat 10 10am ASQ/Greenberg—Berkeley (ASQ/St. John’s)Sat 10 8pm Eduardo Fernandez (Guitar/Marines’ Memorial)Sat 17 10am ASQ/Greenberg—Berkeley (ASQ/St. John’s)

JANUARY

Sat 14 10am ASQ/Greenberg—SF (ASQ/Herbst)Thu 19 8pm Christopher Maltman/Malcolm Martineau (Rescheduled/Herbst)Fri 27 8pm Zoran Dukic (Guitar/SF Conservatory)Sat 28 10am ASQ/Greenberg—SF (ASQ/Herbst)Sat 28 8pm Dawn Upshaw/Stephen Prutsman (Vocal/Herbst)Sun 29 2pm Joshua Roman (Young Masters/SF Conservatory)

FEBRUARY

Wed 1 8pm Trio di Clarone (Virtuosi/Herbst)Sat 4 8pm Alexander String Quartet/Joyce DiDonato/Jake Heggie (Special/Chamber/Herbst)Thu 9 8pm Leif Ove Andsnes (Piano/Herbst)Sat 18 10am ASQ/Greenberg—SF (ASQ/Herbst)Sat 18 8pm Regina Carter (Jazz/Herbst)Sun 19 11am Regina Carter (Family/Herbst)Thu 23 8pm Batsheva (Dance/YBCA)Fri 24 8pm Batsheva (Dance/YBCA)Sat 25 8pm Batsheva (Dance/YBCA)

2011-2012 season


MAJOR PARTNER WITH SAN FRANCISCO PERFORMANCES SINCE 1989.

MARCH

Thu 8 8pm Ébène Quartet (Chamber/Herbst)Tue 13 8pm Lera Auerbach/Alisa Weilerstein/Lina Tetriani (Virtuosi/Herbst)Tue 27 8pm Pierre-Laurent Aimard (Piano/Herbst)Sat 31 8pm Ute Lemper/Vogler Quartet (Special/Herbst)

APRIL

Sun 1 2pm Nareh Arghamanyan (Young Masters/SF Conservatory)Sat 7 8pm Vijay Iyer Trio (Jazz/Herbst)Sun 8 7pm Chris Thile, mandolin (Guitar/Herbst)Thu 12 8pm Arditti Quartet (Chamber/Herbst)Mon 23 8pm Matthias Goerne/Leif Ove Andsnes (Vocal/Herbst)Sun 29 2pm Jessica Rivera (Young Masters/SF Conservatory)

MAY

Sat 5 10am ASQ/Greenberg—SF (ASQ/Herbst)Wed 9 7:30pm Robert Greenberg Beethoven Lecture (Herbst)Fri 18 8pm Armitage Gone! Dance (Dance/YBCA)Sat 19 2pm Armitage Gone! Dance (Family/YBCA)Sat 19 8pm Armitage Gone! Dance (Dance/YBCA)Sat 19 8pm Steven Isserlis/Robert Levin (Virtuosi/Herbst) Sun 20 7pm Steven Isserlis/Robert Levin (Virtuosi/Herbst)Wed 30 8pm Isabelle Faust/Alexander Melnikov (Virtuosi/Herbst)

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The Benefits of Subscribing toSan Francisco PerformancesSAvInGS…Subscribers save more than ever before! Up to 19% on fixed subscription packages.

FlExIBIlITy…If you change your plans, you can exchange into another performance WITHOUT fees.

COnvEnIEnCE…Special services to make your experience a pleasure

saviNgs—Subscribers save more than ever before!

Up to 19% off single ticket prices.

10% off single ticket prices with the purchase of a

Make-Your-Own Series subscription.

10% off single tickets all season long (available by phone

purchase only via the exclusive subscriber hotline at

415.677.0325).

PriOrity seatiNg—When you subscribe before single

tickets go on sale, you’ll be seated in advance of the

general public—assuring you the best available locations.

Free ticKet exchaNge Privileges—You can exchange your

tickets for another event without an exchange fee, up to

one day prior to the original concert (48 hours for week-

end performances). That’s a savings of $10 per exchange!

Free BONus PerFOrmaNces—You’ll receive invitations

to two annual events: our special Gift Concert and the

Naumburg Competition Winner Concert. In past years,

these bonus events have featured extraordinary artists

at the dawn of their professional careers, including Lang

Lang, Imani Winds and Nareh Arghamanyan. Details

available later in the season.

Free email remiNDer service—We’ll remind you of your

performance dates by email a few days prior to each event

(email registration required).

Free Newsletter—Our newsletter, Quarternotes, is rich

with behind-the-scenes articles, provocative insights into

upcoming events, breaking news and more.

Free ticKet iNsuraNce—Should you misplace your tickets,

we will reprint duplicates for you at no additional charge

and hold them at the Box Office.

If you can’t commit to a subscription but still want access

to priority seating, become a member of San Francisco

Performances today! Members who make contributions of

$100 or more receive priority seating, ticket exchange free

of fees and much more (see pages 18 & 19).

whether you purchase a fixed package series (such as Dance or Piano) or a make-your-Own series of any 6 or more perfor-mances, you’ll enjoy all of these benefits:

call 415.392.2545 or visit sfperformances.org tODay!

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OrDeriNg ticKets

FlexiBle suBscriPtiON PacKages(All subscription packages are on sale now!)

• Fixed Package subscriptions—Get a terrific price and receive all subscriber benefits. Plus,

when you renew the same series in the 2011–12 season from the previous year, you’ll be able

to keep your seat locations or upgrade (if available) before we seat the general public.

Fixed package prices are listed on the series pages. To order, mail the enclosed form, call

415.392.2545 or visit sfperformances.org.

Add other performances to your subscription order and save 10% per ticket on the

extra events.

• make-your-Own series subscriptions—For the ultimate flexibility! Create your own series of

six or more events and save 10% per ticket. A Make-Your-Own Series may be purchased

by mail, or call 415.392-2545. (Make-Your-Own Series are not available for purchase online.)

• student subscriptions—Full-time students with a valid student ID save 30% off any fixed

series price or 30% off the regular single ticket price for a Make-Your-Own Series. Call

415.392.2545 for details.

grOuP DiscOuNts—On sale now! Purchase 10 or more tickets for a single event and

save up to 20% off single ticket prices. Student groups save even more. Subject to

availability. Call 415.398.6449 to order, or send an email to [email protected].

stuDeNts aND seNiOrs—For most performances, full-time students with a valid student

ID and seniors age 65 and older may purchase discounted tickets at the venue 90 minutes

prior to the start of the performance (subject to availability). Call 415.398.6449 for details.

siNgle ticKets—On sale August 22. Single ticket prices are listed with each event.

Single ticket prices and seating sections are valid until September 5, after which they

are subject to change. Non-subscribers may exchange single ticket purchases for a $10

handling fee. For single tickets, mail the enclosed form, call 415.392.2545 or order online

at sfperformances.org beginning August 22. Single ticket orders sent in advance will be

processed but will not be seated until August 22. Subscribers receive 10% off the regular ticket price all season long by calling the exclusive subscriber hotline, 415.677.0325, to order!

tO OrDer:

call: 415.392.2545 (M-F; 9:30AM-5PM)

visit: sfperformances.org(please note that Make-Your-Own Series subscriptions are not available online)

Fax: 415.398.6439

mail: San Francisco Performances Box Office, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 710San Francisco, CA 94102. Use the attached order form for easy advance purchases, or download a form from our web site.

gO tO: City Box Office, 180 Redwood Street, Suite 100 (off Van Ness, north of McAllister, open Mon-Sat). Remaining tickets, if available, may also be purchased at the door 90 minutes prior to the start of each event.

benefitS of SUbScribing

18 orDer noW>> 415.392.2545

Why become a member?Revenue generated by ticket sales covers only a portion of our costs. Your

support guarantees that from year to year we have the income we need to

continue providing the community with top quality performances and programs.

Members belong to a unique association of supporters who help ensure that

music and dance will remain a powerful force in our lives and in the life of

San Francisco. Be a part of something special, become a Member today.

FRIEnD ($35–$99)• Receipt of our newsletter Quarternotes

• Priority notice of annual concert series in advance of the general public

MEMBER ($100–$249)

All of the above benefits, plus:

• Opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the general public through San Francisco Performances private sales line

• Complimentary ticket exchange

• An invitation to a special concert with the Naumburg Competition Winner and the annual Gift Concert

• Recognition in performance programs throughout the year

SUSTAInInG MEMBER ($250–$499)All of the above benefits, plus:

• A pair of tickets to a performance of your choice, as available

• An invitation to one Wine with Ruth* preceding a concert to which you hold tickets

SPOnSOR ($500–$999)

All of the above benefits, plus:

• An invitation for two to a post-concert reception with the evening’s artist(s)

THE INNER CIRCLEInner Circle Members receive exclusive benefits and privileges designed

to enhance their experience with SF Performances.

PATROn ($1,000–$2,999)All of the above benefits, plus:

• An invitation for two to the Inner Circle Recital and Reception in a private home

• VIP ticket service for all ticket purchases and exchanges

• Opportunity to have SF Performances donate two performance tickets to the charity event of your choice (subject to availability)

• Personal backstage introductions to artists throughout the season, upon request

PRESEnTER ($3,000–$4,999)All of the above benefits, plus:

• An invitation for two to the annual Presenters Dinner with a guest artist

• An invitation to all Wine with Ruth* get-togethers preceding concerts to which you hold tickets

• Reserved priority seating at the Naumburg and Gift Concerts

• Opportunity to sponsor a school or community education event or a Salon


BENEFACTOR, GUARDIAN & GUARANTORSan Francisco Performances’ highest levels of donors receive all the benefits

listed above and in addition are eligible for sponsorship opportunities.

BEnEFACTOR ($5,000–$9,999)

• Opportunity to sponsor a performance or education program

• Four complimentary tickets to your sponsored performance

• Special introduction to the artist(s) associated with your sponsored performance

• Sponsorship recognition in the program and on signage in the theater lobby

GUARDIAn ($10,000–$24,999)

• Opportunity to sponsor a dance company or premium performance or an entire Salon Series

• Six complimentary tickets to your sponsored performance

• A full slate of personalized recognition opportunities

GUARAnTOR ($25,000 and up)

• Opportunity to sponsor one full Series or an artist-in-residence

• Eight complimentary tickets to sponsored performance(s)

• Private lunch or dinner with SF Performances’ President Ruth Felt and the artist(s) associated with one of your sponsored performances

• A full slate of recognition opportunities personalized to your particular interests

*Wine with Ruth get-togethers will occur at the following concerts:


Christian Zacharias (December 9)

Dawn Upshaw (January 28)



To join san Francisco Performances, call 415.677.0326 or visit sfperformances.orgGifts to San Francisco Performances are deductible for tax

purposes. Please note that some benefits may reduce the

tax-deductible portion of your gift. If you elect not to accept the

benefits offered, you may deduct the full value of your donation.

San Francisco Performances’ concerts, programs and activities are made possible, in part, by

cONcert PartNershiPsMake a gift of $600 or more and join with other supporters of San Francisco Performances

to sponsor your choice of one of the following mainstage performances:


Dawn Upshaw (January 28)


Batsheva (February 25)


Concert Partners receive all the benefits of the Sponsor level plus:

• Shared recognition in concert program book as concert sponsors

• Two complimentary tickets to the sponsored performance

• An opportunity to meet the artist of the sponsored performance

memberShip

20 orDer noW>> 415.392.2545

aSQ

l-r: Zakarias grafilo, violinrobert greenberg, music historian-in-residencePaul yarbrough, violasandy wilson, celloFrederick lifsitz, violin

Since 1989 the Alexander String Quartet has been our ensemble-in-residence, the result of a unique three-way partnership between San Francisco Performances, San Francisco State University and the May T. Morrison Chamber Music Center.

Start your weekend with San Francisco Performances’ highly popular Saturday

morning lecture/concert series. Brimming with history, humor and the inde-

scribable chemistry that happens when these chamber music virtuosi and the

charismatic Robert Greenberg take the stage, this series is so much more than

a mere talk or performance. Their programs bring to life the history, art, politics,

intrigue and romance that have shaped the music we’ve loved for centuries, and

have become a happy ritual with audience members since 1994.

These engaging events—each about two and a half hours long—begin with

commentary and context by beloved teacher and composer Robert Greenberg,

with the Alexander at hand to illustrate his musical points. Each lecture is

followed by the Quartet performing the works discussed. This is one of our

most popular series and this season will focus on chamber works from Schubert

in San Francisco and Bartók and Kodály in Berkeley.

The Alexander String Quartet Robert Greenberg, music historian-in-residence


aSQSatUrDaYmorning

Saturday Mornings in Berkeleybartók and KodálySATURDAYS AT 10AMOCTOBER 29, DECEMBER 3, 10 AND 17

St. John’s Presbyterian Church

$37

PROGRAM 1, OCTOBER 29BARTóK: String Quartet No. 1; KODÁLY: String Quartet No. 1

PROGRAM 2, DECEMBER 3BARTóK: String Quartet No. 2; KODÁLY: String Quartet No. 2

PROGRAM 3, DECEMBER 10BARTóK: String Quartets Nos. 3 and 4

PROGRAM 4, DECEMBER 17BARTóK: String Quartets Nos. 5 and 6

Béla Bartók’s six string quartets are considered one of the two most important sets

composed during the 20th century. These masterful and imaginative quartets meld the

folk music of his native central and eastern Europe and his western European training.

Join us for a survey of the complete string quartets of Bartók and those of his friend and

Hungarian compatriot (and partner in collecting folk songs) Zoltán Kodály.

Save 19% when you purchase the entire Berkeley Saturday Morning Series.All four performances for just: $120.

Save more than ever before—up to 11% when you purchase the entire San Francisco Saturday Morning Series.All four performances for just: Premium $170/$145/$90.

Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

Saturday Mornings in San Francisco SchubertSATURDAYS AT 10AMJANUARY 14 AND 28; FEBRUARY 18; AND MAY 5

Herbst Theatre

$48/$40/$25

Franz Schubert remains one of the most beloved and prolific composers in the Western

canon. His productivity is all the more amazing considering he lived to be only 31: A

compulsive composer, he wrote more than 1500 works during the last 16 years of his life.

This series will feature Schubert’s greatest music for string chamber ensembles. Starting

with his String Quartet No. 8—composed when he was 16 years old—the series will move

through Schubert’s last five string quartets and will conclude with his magisterial String

Quintet in C Major, completed just two months before his death.

PROGRAM 1, JANUARY 14String Quartet No. 8 in B-flat Major; String Quartet No. 11 in E Major; String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, “Quartettsatz”

PROGRAM 2, JANUARY 28String Quartet No. 13 in A minor, “Rosamunde”; String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”

PROGRAM 3, FEBRUARY 18String Quartet No. 15 in G Major

PROGRAM 4, MAY 5String Quintet in C Major with guest artist David Requiro, cello

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Eduardo Fernandez SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 8PMMarines’ Memorial Theatre

Premium: $45/$38/$30

Since the new york times praised his 1977 US debut

saying, ”Rarely has this reviewer heard a more

impressive debut recital on any instrument”,

Eduardo Fernandez has been a North American

favorite. This Uruguayan six-string virtuoso

masterfully interprets music from Bach to

contemporary with an avid interest in historical

guitars and is an accomplished and award-

winning composer.

... his playing manifests a poetic self-realization that one almost never encounters in classical guitarists. —san Francisco Chronicle

Xuefei YangSATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium: $45/$38/$30

Following the cultural revolution, Beijing-born Xuefei

Yang made international history as the first guitarist

ever admitted to a music school in China. Her pioneering

spirit, courage and prodigious talent brought her quickly

to the attention of the music world at large. The composer

Joaquín Rodrigo attended her debut in Madrid and could

not believe she was just 14. Fellow guitar virtuoso John

Williams sought her out when he toured Beijing while she

was still a student. Her spellbinding performances are

not to be missed.

The guitar world has a new star. —Gramophone

GuiTar SerieS PreSeNTed iN aSSociaTioN wiTh oMNi FouNdaTioN For The PerForMiNG arTS

Save more than ever before—up to 11% when you purchase the entire Guitar Series.All four performances for just: Premium $165/$150/$115.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!


Chris Thile, mandolinSUNDAY, APRIL 8, 7PMHerbst Theatre

Premium: $55/$45/$35

BACH and more

Chris Thile has revolutionized the mandolin as a concert

instrument through his versatile virtuosity, a fearless

approach to all types of music and his own compositions.

He has enjoyed a career performing with bassist and friend

Edgar Meyer—who introduced young Thile to San Francisco

Performances audiences in 2005—and with the popular

bluegrass bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers. Now he

turns his attention to the solo repertoire that inspires him—

Bach’s music for solo violin—and more.

Mandolinist extraordinaire Chris Thile is only 28, but already he has shocked or changed the world in which he operates several times. —los angeles times

Zoran DukicFRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 8PMSan Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall

Premium: $40/$30

Zoran Dukic has made his international reputation for his

flexible technique and far-reaching interests in repertoire

from many eras and cultures. His musical curiosity and

active performance history with chamber ensembles

have given him a gift for nuanced interpretation and

a riveting, warm stage presence.

A thrilling concert... the audience was on its feet already after the first piece... a phenomenal evening. —Gevelsbergerzeitung (Germany)

gUitar

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Save more than ever before—up to 10% when you purchase the entire Jazz Series.All three performances for just: Premium $140/$110/$85.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

Fred Hersch, composer/pianist

The Fred Hersch Ensemble Michael Winther, actor/singer SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7PMHerbst Theatre

Premium: $52/$40/$30

My Coma Dreams

Animation and Graphic Design by Sarah Wickliffe

Written and Directed by Herschel Garfein

In a career spiked with groundbreaking innovations, My Coma Dreams marks a frank new direction for Fred Hersch. This work is an intensely persona exploration based on eight dreams and nightmares experienced by Hersch during a two-month coma in 2008, staged with animation, graphics, text and guest actor/singer Michael Winther.

Commissioned by Peak Performances (Montclair, NJ) and funded with the generous support of Linda and Stuart Nelson through Premiere Commission, Inc. in honor of Fred Hersch.

Regina Carter, violinSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 8PM

Herbst Theatre

Premium: $52/$40/$30

reverse thread

Trailblazing jazz violinist Regina Carter (one of San Francisco

Performances’ first artists-in-residence) creates a world

of hypnotically beautiful African folk melodies in a program

from her new album reverse thread. In it, she captures the

essence and allure of the original music through a lens of

contemporary interpretation. Carter, a MacArthur “Genius”

Fellow, is one of the exciting jazz voices of our time who

works on her own terms as an artist of unflagging taste

and high-payoff risk.

…Carter is a knockout violinist who leads a knockout band. —o Magazine

Vijay Iyer TrioSATURDAY, APRIL 7, 8PMHerbst Theatre

Premium: $52/$40/$30

Vijay Iyer, piano

Stephan Crump, bass

Marcus Gilmore, drums

Named 2010 Musician of the Year in the Jazz Journalists Association

Awards and a 2010 Grammy nominee for Best Instrumental Jazz

Album, Vijay Iyer continues to rack up top honors and a

devoted following for his super-smart, physical jazz. He brings

a neo-Monkian “assertive style, filled with quirky dissonances,

craggy rhythms, and oddly tangible moments of silence” to

his music (wall street Journal). You haven’t heard Vijay Iyer

until you’ve seen him. Committed to education and outreach,

Iyer is a new San Francisco Performances artist-in-residence.

...the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade or so. —Vanity Fair

Those in the know, know Vijay Iyer. —Jazz times

JaZZ


Joshua Roman, cello

Andrius Zlabys, pianoSUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2PMSan Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall

$37

DEBUSSY: Sonata

PIAZZOLLA: Le Grand Tango

VISCONTI: AmericanaBRAHMS: Sonata in F Major

Innovator and 2011 TED Fellow Joshua Roman demonstrates that music has a positive effect on

the world and backs up this conviction by performing in venues from clubs to classrooms and

concert halls playing rock, jazz and classical with equal verve. Adept at bridging classical and

contemporary cultures, he was the only artist invited to perform solo in the now famed YouTube

Symphony Orchestra’s debut at Carnegie Hall. This represents his San Francisco recital debut.

Dozens were turned away and the concert was delayed 20 minutes as hall officials tried to squeeze everyone in. —Musical America

Nareh Arghamanyan, pianoSUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2PM

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall

$37

CLEMENTI: Sonata in F-sharp minor, Op. 25, No. 5SCHUBERT: Four Impromptus, Op. 90 RACHMANINOFF: Variations on a theme by Corelli BALAKIREV: islamey

Illuminating, romantic and assured, Armenian pianist Nareh

Arghamanyan has won over San Francisco Performances

audiences as she has risen on the international scene. She

won the prestigious Montreal International Piano Competition

in 2008 and was subsequently invited by pianist Mitsuko

Uchida to appear at the 2009 Marlboro Music Festival.

Pianists don’t come any better. Another potential superstar has arrived! —american record Guide

Jessica Rivera, sopranoSUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2PM


$37

Songs by MOMPOU, R. STRAUSS and BARBER

New San Francisco Performances artist-in-residence Jessica

Rivera inspires composers and connects to audiences with

her warmth, effortless stage presence and luminous voice.

Her performances with the San Francisco and Berkeley

Symphonies have made her a Bay Area favorite as

well, infusing her singing with un-self-conscious

depth and spirituality.

The vocal lines took on a hallucinatory power as sung by the silvery soprano

Jessica Rivera. —Chicago tribune

YoUngmaSterS

Save more than 10% when you purchase the entire Young Masters Series.All three performances for just: $100.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

26 orDer noW>> 415.392.2545

Education means engagement and empowerment, not only of tomorrow’s audiences but today’s as well. In varied settings, San Francisco Performances ushers you into myriad artistic experiences. The opportunities are here to explore:

• Insightful lectures and interactive collaborations with other artists bring a new twist to music appreciation with Music

Historian-in-Residence Robert Greenberg.

• Spend time up close and personal with our exceptional main-stage artists in an informal setting and gain insights into their work at free Concerts with Conversation at the San Francisco

Community Music Center in the Mission District.

• Audiences revel in the music and intimate and convivial atmosphere of our Salons at the Rex Series at the Hotel Rex.

• Everyone listens, observes and learns together at the one-hour

weekend events of our affordable, informal and interactive Family Matinees for all ages.


San Francisco Performances has a unique, intimate approach to arts education

in the schools. In small, hands-on programs, our internationally acclaimed resident

artists—Beijing Guitar Duo, jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, soprano Jessica Rivera and the

Alexander String Quartet—work directly with students and teachers in

public schools around the Bay Area. The scope of SF Performances’ work in

the community reflects our commitment to making the arts an essential part

of everyone’s life—a central part of our mission since our founding 32 years ago.

• The Alexander String Quartet, in joint residence with San Francisco State

University since 1989, shows students how music can be a powerful voice for cultural expression through the story of the string Quartet.

• Through Music & Culture, young students identify and create elements of jazz improvisation under the guidance of pianist Vijay Iyer.

• Older students can look forward to performance poetry, where soprano Jessica

Rivera provides many points of entry into the study and composition of poetry and song.

• The Beijing Guitar Duo’s Guitar trek program introduces world history students to the diversity of cultures whose musical heritage has embraced

this most versatile of instruments.

• Music Mentors sends young professional musicians, who are mentored by

SF Performances’ resident artists, to serve as coaches and teaching artists

in the classroom.

eDUcation

Soprano Jessica Rivera and jazz pianist/composer Vijay Iyer at work with Bay Area high school students.

28 orDer noW>> 415.392.2545

Save more than ever before—up to 13% when you purchase the entire Family Matinee Series.All four performances for just: $35 Children/$55 Adults.Order by mail, fax, phone or online, see pages 16 & 17 for details.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

Le Jazz HotSUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 11AM

Herbst Theatre

$10 Children/$15 Adults

Don’t miss a special holiday concert of the songs of 1930s Paris. A festive foray into jazz.

Cypress String QuartetSATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 11AM

Herbst Theatre


San Francisco’s own ensemble brings a program of beautiful, classic works while showcasing the chemistry and fun of collaborative music-making.

Regina Carter, violin

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 11AM

Herbst Theatre


The acclaimed jazz violinist traveled throughout Africa to explore folk melodies. Here, she mixes tradition with her original improvisations to create a new world of sound.

Armitage Gone! DanceSATURDAY, MAY 19, 2PM

Novellus Theater at YBCA


Karole Armitage’s reputation as “punk ballerina” rose from her edgy interpretations of classical dance. Her company of dancers brings incred-ible energy and focus to the stage in dynamic choreography.

familY

seatiNg iNFOrmatiON

Premium

herBst: Premium Orchestra and Premium Dress Circle

mariNes’ memOrial theatre: Premium Orchestra

NOvellus theater at yerBa BueNa ceNter FOr the arts: Premium Orchestra

Price 2 herBst: Orchestra, Dress Circle, Boxes

mariNes’ memOrial theatre: Orchestra and Front Center Balcony

NOvellus theater at yerBa BueNa ceNter FOr the arts: Orchestra, Terrace Front, Orchestra Boxes

Price 3 herBst: Side Dress Circle and Balcony

mariNes’ memOrial theatre: Rear Side Orchestra and Balcony

NOvellus theater at yerBa BueNa ceNter FOr the arts: Rear Terrace, Terrace Boxes

st. JOhN’s PresByteriaN church: all one price

saN FraNciscO cONservatOry OF music cONcert hall: all one price for young Masters Series; two prices for Guitar and Piano Series.

lOcatiONs

HERBST THEATRE

401 VAN NeSS AVeNue (at McAllister)

MARINES’ MEMORIAL THEATRE

609 SuTTer STreeT, 2nd Floor

The theatre is located between union Square and Nob Hill, accessible from MuNI, BArT and Cable Cars. Parking areas in the vicinity include Olympic Club and Citipark garages.

NOVELLUS THEATER AT YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

700 HOWArD STreeT (at Third Street)

The Theater is located a short walk from the Powell or Montgomery BArT/MuNI stations. Parking lots and two major garages are located within two blocks of the Theater.

ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2727 COLLeGe AVeNue, BerKeLeY

Some parking is available at the Church and on the surrounding streets. Seating is general admission.

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC CONCERT HALL

50 OAK STreeT

The Concert Hall is accessible from MuNI and BArT. Parking areas in the vicinity include the California Parking lot on the corner of Hickory and Franklin (enter on Hickory or Franklin), Place 2 Park on the corner of Oak and Franklin (enter on Franklin) and Tower Valet on the corner of Fell and Van Ness (enter on Van Ness).

ALL THEATERS ARE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.

Please mention your wheelchair needs when purchasing tickets so that we may best accommodate you.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS for the hearing-impaired are available in all venues except for St. John’s Presbyterian Church and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall. Please check with the head usher when you arrive at the theater.

Novellus Theater at YBCA

Marines’ Memorial Marines’ Memorial Marines’ Theatre


Herbst Theatre

SFP 2011-2012 Season brochure photographer creditscover: lemper: J. beneich-alamo; Thile: cassandra Jenkins; andsnes: Simon Fowler; iNSide FroNT: christian Jessen; SPecialS: crochetto: Kristin hoebermann; von Stade: robert Millard; didonato: Sheila rock; aSQ: rory earnshaw; heg-gie: ellen appel; vogler: Özgür albayrak; vocal: blythe: Kobie van rensburg; Keenlyside: uwe arens; Matilla: lauri eriksson; upshaw: dario acosta; Goerne: Marco borggreve; Maltman: levon biss; PiaNo: andsnes: Simon Fowler; hamlin: Fran Kaufman; Melnikov: Martin lengemann; Zacharias: Nicole chuard; aimard: Felix broede; chaMber: didonato: Sheila rock; aSQ: rory earnshaw; heggie: ellen appel; brentano: christian Steiner; arditti: astrid Karger; Ébène: Julien Mignot; virTuoSi: auerbach: F. reinhold; isserlis: eisuke Miyoshi; clarone: Marion Koell;

Faust: Feliz broede; daNce: Shivalingappa: hector Perez; random: ravi deepres; batsheva: Gadi dagon; armitage: Julieta cervantes; caleNdar: yang: Paul Mitchell; hamelin: Fran Kaufman; didonato: Nichola heavican; upshaw: dario acosta; iyer: Jimmy Katz; armitage: Julieta cervantes; SaTurday MorNiNG: aSQ: rory earnshaw; GuiTar: yang: Paul Mitchell; Fernandez: robert yabeck; Thile: cassandra Jenkins; JaZZ: hersch: Jimmy Ka; carter: rahav Segev; iyer: Jimmy Katz; youNG MaSTerS: roman: Jeremy Sawatzky; arghamanyan: Marco borggreve; rivera: isabel Pinto; educaTioN: rivera: christine lim; iyer: cate Thomason-redus; FaMily MaTiNeeS: crystal String Quartet: le Jazz hot: laura Turbow; carter: rahav Segev; armitage: Julieta cervantes; bacK cover: armitage: Julieta cervantes. all photos not credited have unknown photographers.

Seating sections in venues subject to change.

For maps, directions, dining, parking information and more about each venue, visit sfperformances.org.

Visit the venues pages at sfperformances.org for more detailed seating maps.

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Documents

2011-2012 Season Brochure