American Bach Soloists 2014-15 Season Brochure

2014–1526th Season

Jeffrey ThomasArtistic Director

“The audience had the last word, speaking in long and sustained waves of well-earned cheering

and applause”San Francisco Classical Voice

americanbach.org

Nakamichi Foundation

Clarence E. HellerCharitable Foundation

The American Bach Soloists are grateful for the support of these and other Foundations, Corporations,

Government Agencies, and Individual Sponsors.

American Bach Soloists are Artists-in-Residence at St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere.

Continuing with the momentum and excitement that made ABS’s 25th year so memorable, the American Bach Soloists present another season of Baroque masterworks and treasures performed by music director Jeffrey Thomas’s handpicked ensemble of early music performance experts.

Six debut artists join the roster while ABS delves into new main season repertory for their first performances of Handel’s Acis and Galatea and Leo’s Cello Concerto in A Major. The ensemble brings their inimitable sense of balance, sonority, and dramatic performance to Bach’s fourth Brandenburg Concerto, St. Matthew Passion, fourth Orchestral Suite, and Concerto for Two Violins.

Messiah in Grace Cathedral, three subscription series, special events—including “A Red Carpet Evening” Gala and a sensational Bach’s Birthday Celebration—and some of the early music world’s most admired educational programs inaugurate a second quarter century of inspiring artistry and priceless concert experiences.

SEASON SPONSORS Anonymous

Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee

The Jeffrey Thomas Conducting Chair is generously underwritten by an Anonymous donor.

SEPTEMBER 2014 - SPECIAL EVENT

A Red Carpet EveningGala Auction, Concert, and Dinner

Tatiana Chulochnikova violin

Tanya Tomkins violoncello

Steven Lehning viola da gamba

Jeffrey Thomas harpsichord

Saturday September 20 2014 5:00 p.m. St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere

“A Red Carpet Evening” awaits you at this year’s annual American Bach Soloists gala auction, concert, and dinner! Our red carpet will lead you to exclusive auction items, with food and drink from Delicious! Catering and Grgich Hills Estate, and a special ABS performance to enjoy along the way. Don’t miss this intimate opportunity to mingle with ABS artists and fellow supporters, all while supporting the artistic and educational initiatives of ABS. A very special musical program will feature ABS Academy alumna Tatiana Chulochnikova joined by three ABS audience favorites.

Bach: Violin Partita No. 3 in E MajorBach: Toccata & Fugue in D MinorVivaldi: Sonata for Cello in A MinorErlebach: Sonata TerzaCorelli: “La Folia” Sonata in D Minor

For reservations visitamericanbach.org/galaor call (415) 621-7900

Sponsored by

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Handel: Messiah (Foundling Hospital Version)

Mary Wilson soprano

Eric Jurenas countertenor

Wesley Rogers tenor

Jesse Blumberg baritone

Jeffrey Thomas conductor

Tuesday December 16 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Thursday December 18 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Friday December 19 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

The season kicks off with five performances of Handel’s enduring masterwork, Messiah, given in three venues. Jeffrey Thomas will conduct the ABS period-instrument orchestra, the acclaimed American Bach Choir, and an outstanding quartet of soloists in three performances in San Francisco’s historic Grace Cathedral. Additionally, the ensemble will debut at the Donald & Maureen Green Music Center in Rohnert Park, and will be presented at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in Davis. Tickets for the Green Center and Mondavi Center performances are not available through ABS.

Additional performances:Sunday December 14 2014 4:00 p.m. - Mondavi Center, UC Davis - Call (530) 754-ARTSSunday December 21 2014 3:00 p.m. - Green Music Center, Rohnert Park - Call (866) 955-6040

These performances are generously sponsored in part by Drs. Jose & Carol Alonso, Jan Goldberg, Marie Hogan & Douglas Lutgen, and Kim & Judith Maxwell.

Mary Wilson’s appearance is generously sponsored by Jan Goldberg & Ken Hoffman.Eric Jurenas’s appearance is generously sponsored by John & Lois Crowe.Wesley Rogers’s appearance is generously sponsored by Marie Hogan & Douglas Lutgen.Jesse Blumberg’s appearance is generously sponsored by Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee.

Eric Jurenas“beautiful, well-supported tone and compelling expression”

The New York Times

Wesley Rogers“Who couldn’t enjoy tenor Wesley Rogers’ aria ‘Ev’ry Valley shall be exalted,’ which he sang so melodiously, with dexterity, strength and depth of tone?”

San Jose Mercury News

Jesse Blumberg“confident, forceful, expressive. His attitude seemed to galvanize the entire performance”

New York Classical Review

Mary Wilson“Her light, alluring, velvety voice is as soothing as a soft, warm blanket”

Opera News

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JANUARY 2015

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G MajorHandel: Acis and Galatea

Nola Richardson (debut) soprano GalateaKyle Stegall (debut) tenor AcisMischa Bouvier bass PolyphemusZachary Wilder (debut) tenor DamonJeffrey Thomas conductor

Friday January 23 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BelvedereSaturday January 24 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BerkeleySunday January 25 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San FranciscoMonday January 26 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DavisPre-concert “Insights” begin one hour prior to each performance.

The subscription season opens with an attractive pairing of masterworks by two musical giants. Jeffrey Thomas will direct his renowned players in Bach’s fourth Brandenburg Concerto, a tour de force for violino principale and two recorders. The balance of the program will be devoted to Handel’s pastorale, Acis and Galatea. Full of buoyant, witty, charming melodies, it is one of his most popular operatic works. Thomas conducts a quartet of charismatic soloists in this story of love and jealousy. Acis pursues the nymph Galatea against the advice of his cohort, Damon, angering the envious giant, Polyphemus, whose murderous actions are annulled by a magical transformation. Three extraordinary vocalists make their ABS debuts on these programs, joining another ABS favorite, Mischa Bouvier.

These performances are generously sponsored in part by Drs. Jose & Carol Alonso.Nola Richardson’s and Kyle Stegall’s appearances are generously sponsored by Judith Flynn.Mischa Bouvier’s and Zachary Wilder’s appearances are generously sponsored by

George & Patricia Locke.

Kyle Stegall“The most impressive by far was Kyle Stegall…lovely tone, ardent expression”

The New York Times

Mischa Bouvier“the performances showed Bouvier’s greatest assets: remarkable technical facility and precision … Bouvier has chops”

San Francisco Classical Voice

Zachary Wilder“nonchalantly confident in voice and bearing, his bright tenor running through the character’s roulades with easygoing swagger”

The Boston Globe

Nola Richardson“astonishing balance and accuracy, lavishing crystalline diction on everything she touched”

The Washington Post

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Bach: St. Matthew Passion

Wesley Rogers tenor EvangelistaWilliam Sharp baritone Christus

Hélène Brunet (debut) & Clara Rottsolk sopranos

Agnes Vojtko (debut) mezzo-soprano - Jay Carter countertenor Charles Blandy & Derek Chester tenors Joshua Copeland & Thomas Meglioranza baritones


Friday February 27 2015 7:30 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BelvedereSaturday February 28 2015 7:30 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BerkeleySunday March 1 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San FranciscoMonday March 2 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DavisPre-concert “Insights” begin one hour prior to each performance.

ABS and Thomas, “unsurpassable as a Bach interpreter” (San Francisco Classical Voice), have become closely associated with this masterpiece. Their emotionally stirring performances are unforgettable. The experience of their 2012 performance of an early version of the work made a profound impact on audiences and critics alike. “I am so grateful I was there,” one patron excitedly proclaimed. SFCV remarked that the work, “when cleansed of much historical baggage, shone as new. Thanks to Thomas and ABS for such a profoundly beautiful, moving evening.” Returning to the work’s more familiar form this season, Thomas will direct the Passion with his accustomed focus on transparent textures, direct expression, and intense intimacy. ABS and the American Bach Choir will be joined by ten vocal soloists including two making their ABS debuts.

These performances are generously sponsored by Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee.Wesley Rogers’s appearance is generously sponsored by Angela Hilt & Blake ReinhardtWilliam Sharp’s appearance is generously sponsored by Paul & Sandra Ogden.

Agnes Vojtko“exceptionally even, modestly plush and heart-touching sound”

Bay Area Reporter

William Sharp“a superbly communicative vocal artist, reached deeply into the heart of the texts as he sculpted the melodic lines.”

Baltimore Sun

Thomas Meglioranza“uses his eloquent bass to create a sympathetic portrayal”

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Hélène Brunet“vocally alluring and musical in conception”

Bachtrack

Additional ABS Recordings

MASTERWORKS SERIES

Bach Harpsichord Concertos

Bach Italian Transcriptions

Bach Mass in B Minor

Beethoven Ninth Symphony

Corelli Concerti Grossi

Haydn Masses

Schütz Choral & Vocal Works

Carols for Christmas

Mary Wilson Sings Handel

BACH CANTATA SERIES

Solo Cantatas

Trauerode

Mühlhausen Cantatas

Cantatas for Easter

Weimar Cantatas

Favorite Cantatas

americanbach.org/recordings

ABS RECORDINGS

Selections from the 26th Season on CD

Listen in advance and after the concerts.

Handel’s MessiahBach’s Brandenburg ConcertosBach’s St. Matthew Passion1685 & The Art of Ian Howell

MARCH 2015 - SPECIAL EVENT

Bach’s Birthday Celebration

Anthony Newman organ & harpsichord

Joshua Romatowski flute

Friday March 20 2015 5:00 p.m. Fort Mason Center & St. Mark’s Lutheran Church San Francisco

ABS is pleased to welcome renowned keyboardist, Anthony Newman, for a special one-night-only event to celebrate the birthday of ABS’s namesake, Johann Sebastian Bach. Joined by Academy alumnus and ABS musician, Joshua Romatowski on flute, Newman will perform a series of works on harpsichord and, for the second half, offer an organ recital, all within the excellent acoustic environs of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Prior to the concert, a Bach’s Birthday Celebration will be held in the historic General’s Residence at the Fort Mason Center, and the performance will be followed by an exclusive reception with the artists. Shuttle transportation from the church to and from Fort Mason will be provided.

Bach: Chromatic Fantasy & FugueBach: Toccata, Adagio, & Fugue in C MajorBach: Flute Sonata in E-flat Major

and other works by Bach, Couperin, and Newman

Anthony Newman“a brilliant and analytical mind that is able to project more of the essence of Bach’s music than any other performer I know.”

High Fidelity Magazine

Joshua Romatowski“the ‘even-song’ of a nightingale played with graceful intimacy by Joshua Romatowski”


For reservations visitamericanbach.org/birthday

or call (415) 621-7900

Anthony Newman’s appearance is generously sponsored by Dean Farwood.

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Bach: Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D MajorBach: Gott soll allein, mein Herze habenVivaldi: Nisi DominusLeo: Concerto for Violoncello in A Major

Ian Howell countertenor

Gretchen Claassen violoncello (2015 Jeffrey Thomas Award Recipient)

Elizabeth Blumenstock & Cynthia Black (debut) violins


Friday May 1 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BelvedereSaturday May 2 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BerkeleySunday May 3 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San FranciscoMonday May 4 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, Davis Pre-concert “Insights” begin one hour prior to each performance.

This program of vocal and instrumental works includes the solo cantata Gott soll allein mein Herze haben (“God alone shall have my heart”) and Vivaldi’s psalm setting, Nisi Dominus, originally composed for an extraordinary soloist in his Venetian ensemble at the Ospedale della Pietà. The Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, Bach’s virtuosic tour through French dance forms, will showcase the magnificent instrumental forces of ABS. Another highlight will be the opportunity to hear the 2015 Jeffrey Thomas Award recipient, Gretchen Claassen, performing Leonardo Leo’s Concerto for Violoncello in A Major. Last but hardly least is Bach’s beloved Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor.

These performances are generously sponsored in part by the Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation.

Ian Howell’s appearance is generously sponsored by James R. Meehan.

Gretchen Claassen“A new generation taking up the ‘historic performance mantle’ – Gretchen Claassen … exceptional”

Peninsula Reviews

Ian Howell“sweetly agile yet powerful voice and he sang with lyrical splendor”

Chicago Classical Review

Elizabeth Blumenstock“Introduce Elizabeth Blumenstock into this mix and the results are almost certainly going to be electric”


Jeffrey Thomas“Jeffrey Thomas draws crisp, vital playing from the ace baroque instrumentalists of American Bach Soloists, who provide galvanizing vigor but also caress the gut strings of their period instruments with unusual beauty.”

Opera News

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC

One hour prior to our regular performances in January through May 2015, enjoy a free and informative lecture given by an ABS musician. Three accomplished scholars will share their insights about the music, the composers, and the experience of hearing great music from the Baroque era performed to the highest standards.

January - Acis and Galatea

Steven Lehning

February / March - St. Matthew Passion

Debra Nagy

May - Bach, Vivaldi, & Leo

Corey Jamason

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EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

ABS will present three Master Classes at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Witness the artistic transformations that make Master Classes so tremendously exciting, as performers and ABS musicians share their knowledge and insights. These events are free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit americanbach.org/education.

Monday January 19 2015 7:30 p.m.

Steven Lehning basso continuo

Monday February 23 2015 7:30 p.m.

Derek Chester tenor

Monday March 16 2015 7:30 p.m.


San Francisco Conservatory of Music50 Oak Street at Van Ness

The ABS Master Classes are generously sponsored by Judith Flynn.

VERSAILLES& THE PARISIAN BAROQUE

AUGUST 7–16 2015AT THE SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The 2015 ABS Festival & Academy will feature music from the extravagant court of Versailles with glorious works by Lully, Rameau, and Gluck alongside masterpieces

by Bach including the annual presentations of the great Mass in B Minor. Save the dates now; tickets go on sale early in 2015.

A RED CARPET EVENINGSaturday September 20 2014 5:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERE

MESSIAH IN GRACE CATHEDRALTuesday December 16 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, SAN FRANCISCO Thursday December 18 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, SAN FRANCISCO Friday December 19 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, SAN FRANCISCO

ACIS AND GALATEAFriday January 23 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERESaturday January 24 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BERKELEYSunday January 25 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, SAN FRANCISCOMonday January 26 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DAVIS

ST. MATTHEW PASSIONFriday February 27 2015 7:30 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERESaturday February 28 2015 7:30 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BERKELEYSunday March 1 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, SAN FRANCISCOMonday March 2 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DAVIS

BACH’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONFriday March 20 2015 5:00 p.m. - Fort Mason & St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, S.F.

BACH, VIVALDI, & LEOFriday May 1 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERESaturday May 2 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BERKELEYSunday May 3 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, SAN FRANCISCOMonday May 4 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DAVIS

2015 FESTIVAL & ACADEMY Tickets go on sale early in 2015.Friday August 7 through Sunday August 16 2015 - S.F. Conservatory of Music

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americanbach.org(415) 621-7900

The American Bach Soloists engage and inspire audiences through historically informed performances, recordings, and educational programs that emphasize the music of the Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic eras.

Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of bringing ABS to our community. ABS is proud to receive significant foundation and government support, but the bulk of our contributed income comes from generous donations from individuals like you.

Won’t you please consider including a tax-deductible donation to help us bridge the gap? Become an ABS donor and enjoy special benefits. For more information, please call (415) 621-7900 or visit americanbach.org/support.

Thank you!

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SUBSCRIBERS receive these benefits: · Great Seats at Excellent Performances · Financial Savings · Free Ticket Exchange and Replacement · Family and Friends Discounts · Exclusive Perks · More information at

americanbach.org/subscribe

SINGLE TICKETS FORM ON REVERSE

Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone (Day) (Eve)

Email

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES15% discount

Section AA*Qty. / Price

Section AQty./Price

Section BQty./Price

Section CQty./Price Total

4 Concerts (with MESSIAH) x $251 x $236 x $175 x $92 =

3 Concerts (no MESSIAH) n/a x $168 x $129 x $69 =

For Gala & Bach’s Birthday Celebration please call (415) 621-7900.

ADD-ON SINGLE TICKETSonly with subscriptions Section AA* Section A Section B Section C Total

Messiah (Grace Cathedral) x $83 x $68 x $46 x $23 =

All Others n/a x $56 x $43 x $23 =

Check here to request balcony seating.* Section AA: first five rows in Grace Cathedral only.

SUBTOTAL FOR TICKETS =

SELECT PERFORMANCE DATES & VENUESIndicate # of seats next to each applicable date

Messiah _____12/16 SF _____12/18 SF _____12/19 SF

Acis and Galatea _____1/23 Belvedere _____1/24 Berkeley _____1/25 SF _____1/26 Davis

St. Matthew Passion _____2/27 Belvedere _____2/28 Berkeley _____3/1 SF _____3/2 Davis

Bach, Vivaldi, & Leo _____5/1 Belvedere _____5/2 Berkeley _____5/3 SF _____5/4 Davis

TICKETS from above =

Tax-Deductible Contribution +

NO Handling Charge for Subscribers + $0.00

TOTAL PAYMENT =

Check enclosed and made payable to American Bach Soloists

Charge my Visa MasterCard American Express Discover

Card # Exp. month / year

Order online to select your seats: americanbach.org/subscribe

Order by phone: (415) 621-7900Mail this form to:

American Bach Soloists 44 Page Street Suite 403 San Francisco CA 94102-5975

Sub

scrip

tions

Save by ordering online at least 48 hours in advance.

· Automatic 5% discounts at checkout · No service charges or per ticket fees · Choose your seats from online maps. · Visit americanbach.org/tickets

Phone and mail orders are subject to a $4 handling fee.

Order by phone: (415) 621-7900

Mail this form to: American Bach Soloists 44 Page Street Suite 403 San Francisco CA 94102-5975

Sing

le T

icke

ts

Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone (Day) (Eve)

Email

MESSIAHChoose date Section AA Section A Section B Section C Total

Tue 12/16 Thu 12/18 Fri 12/19

x $97 x $80 x $54 x $27 =

For Gala & Bach’s Birthday Celebration please call (415) 621-7900.

JANUARY through MAYIndicate dates

Balcony?

Section A Section B Section C Total

x $66 x $51 x $27 =

x $66 x $51 x $27 =

x $66 x $51 x $27 =

Students (30 and under with Valid ID) please purchase online. SUBTOTAL FOR TICKETS =

Tax-Deductible Contribution +

(order ONLINE for no handling charge and 5% off: americanbach.org/tickets) Handling Charge + $4.00

TOTAL PAYMENT =

Check enclosed and made payable to American Bach Soloists

Charge my Visa MasterCard American Express Discover

Card # Exp. month / year

STAGESECTION ASECTION BSECTION C

VenuesSAN FRANCISCO

Grace Cathedral 1100 California StreetSt. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1111 O’Farrell Street

BELVEDERESt. Stephen’s Church 3 Bayview Avenue

BERKELEYFirst Congregational Church 2345 Channing Way at Dana

DAVISDavis Community Church 412 C Street at Fourth

For more venue information, including seating diagrams, maps, and directions, please visit americanbach.org/venues.

All seats are reserved. All sales are final. Programs and artists are subject to change.

Balcony seating is not available in Grace Cathedral or sections B and C in Belvedere. To request balcony seating, please check the box on the order form.

Section C in St. Stephen’s Church (Belvedere) includes some seats with partially obstructed views.

We respect your privacy. ABS will never share or sell your email or telephone information to any third party.

For information about our Free Tickets for K-12 Music Educators Program, please visit americanbach.org/education.

Photo credits: Gilles Brunet, Filip Celander, Eddie Frank, Ken Howard, Gene Kosoy, Robbie Lawson, Shelby Lewis, and others.

American Bach Soloists 44 Page Street Suite 403 San Francisco CA 94102-5975 phone (415) 621-7900 | fax (415) 621-7920 americanbach.org | [email protected]

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

St. Stephen’s Church

First Congregational Church

Davis Community Church

Grace Cathedral

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Documents

American Bach Soloists 2014-15 Season Brochure