Classical Music 2009: Anticipating great performances

Eastern promise: “Byzantium” is among the pieces on the Paul Taylor Dance Company program, which opens in April. (Courtesy Photo)

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Opera and other organizations will have to deal with the economic downturn by scaling back their activities; at least two planned opera productions have been canceled already. But meanwhile, there is still a wealth of opportunity to enjoy great performances in the new year. Here is just a small sample:

Christian Tetzlaff, Leif Ove Andsnes

Years ago, Ruth Felt’s San Francisco Performances introduced a young violinist and pianist to the Bay Area. By now, Christian Tetzlaff and Leif Ove Andsnes are among the most acclaimed musicians in the world. The German violinist and Norwegian pianist are returning to The City for a much-anticipated concert, performing music by Janacek, Brahms, Mozart and Schubert.

Schwabacher Debut Recitals

The late James Schwabacher established a debut recital series 26 years ago, providing performance opportunities for young singers, many of whom have gone on to great fame. The 2009 series features tenor Alek Shrader (Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winner, who made several impressive War Memorial appearances last month), baritone Quinn Kelsey and tenor James Benjamin Rodgers. Also featured is  Steven Blier’s “New York Festival of Song,” with soprano Leah Crocetto, mezzo Renée Tatum and tenor Andrew Bidlack.

Other Minds

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco hosts the annual Other Minds Festival of New Music, one of the richest and boldest such events. The program includes microtonal legend Ben Johnston’s music, performed by John Schneider and La Monte Young protégé Michael Harrison in collaboration with the Del Sol String Quartet. Each concert is preceded by a discussion with composers and performers led by festival director Charles Amirkhanian.

‘War Music’

American Conservatory Theater presents Christopher Logue’s modern theatrical interpretation of the “Iliad,” directed by Lillian Groag. A fusion of language, music and movement portrays the legendary struggle between Greek warriors Achilles and Agamemnon.

When: March 26 through April 26

Where: American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco

Tickets: $14 to $82

Info: (415) 749-2228 or www.act-sf.org

Handel’s ‘Athalia’

Music Director Nicholas McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra conclude their 28th season with Handel’s “Athalia,” an eminently operatic 1733 oratorio about the daughter of Jezebel, who usurped the throne of Judah by slaughtering all its rightful heirs with one exception, who ... but let’s not spoil the story. The outstanding cast includes Marnie Breckenridge, Dominique Labelle, Robin Blaze, Thomas Cooley and Roderick
Williams.

Paul Taylor Dance Company

Two West Coast premieres — “The Sorcerer’s Sofa” and “Beloved Renegade” — are in the lineup of the venerable troupe’s spring residency presented by San Francisco Performances.  Three different programs also feature “Byzantium,” “Esplanade,” “Mercuric Tidings,” “Scudorama,” Arden Court,” “Private Domain” and “Offenbach Overtures.”