An ensemble of young, acclaimed Czech musicians returns to the Herbst Theatre tonight with the intent to keep conquering San Francisco Performances audiences.
Prague’s Pavel Haas String Quartet — featuring violist Pavel Nikl, violinist Veronika Jarušková, cellist Peter Jarušek and violinist Marek Zwiebel — made a big splash here last year at its local debut. Read More
English cellist Steven Isserlis is among today’s most distinguished and widely respected classical musicians. San Francisco Performances presents him in two recitals with pianist Robert Levin, performing all five Beethoven cello sonatas on his Marquis de Corberon Stradivarius from 1726. Read More
San Francisco Performances’ upcoming 33rd season opens with concerts by pianist Jonathan Biss focusing on composer Robert Schumann, and continues with a virtuoso violin series featuring Hilary Hahn, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Midori; a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Glass; and West Coast premieres of new works by choreographer Paul Taylor among its dozens of offerings. Read More
While few are mentioning retirement, most music lovers know that this weekend’s gala for singing great Frederica von Stade, presented by major local organizations, is part of her farewell tour — following similar events in New York, Chicago and Houston. Read More
Performing arts organizations often open their fall seasons in September, but there are some exceptions. In The City, a prominent example of a late start — avoiding heavy traffic — is San Francisco Performances.Yet the group’s 32nd season’s offerings during its October-to-May run — dozens of piano, vocal and guitar recitals, chamber music, dance and jazz concerts — are worth the wait. Read More
Paul Taylor’s smile is audible. Every interview is ironic for the 80-year-old choreographer. “One of the reasons I decided to try and be a dancer was that I thought I wouldn’t have to talk,” Taylor laughs. “It hasn’t always proved true,” he adds in his smooth, dulcet tones. Read More
Since founding the Turtle Island Quartet, violinist David Balakrishnan has led the group on a wide-ranging musical journey through folk, jazz, Latin, bluegrass and other repertoires where traditional string quartets fear to tread.This month, though, he is returning to his roots, celebrating Turtle Island’s 25th anniversary with a new CD and a concert featuring the music of rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Read More
