Look below to find a list of our upcoming concerts. You can also learn more about the artists by clicking on their names and following the links to their bios and websites.
To respect our artists and patrons, we do not permit infants or toddlers to attend our performances.
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013 AT 8:00PM
Antonio Pompa-Baldi
Après une lecture de Liszt
Antonio Pompa-Baldi, piano
Sergei Lyapunov Transcendental Etude, Op. 11, No. 12, “Elegy in memory of Franz Liszt”
Frédéric Chopin Twelve Etudes, Op. 10
Franz Liszt Ballade No. 2; Sposalizio from Années de Pèlerinage II; and Concert paraphrase on Ernani
Roberto Piana Après une lecture de Liszt
This virtuosic program is a tribute to the greatest piano virtuoso of all time, Franz Liszt. Sergei Lyapunov, Frederic Chopin, and Roberto Piana, all dedicated fabulous works to the great Master, while enriching the piano repertoire with their beautiful music. Franz Liszt himself is featured in some of his best creations. This program is a truly compelling combination of emotional fire and finger acrobatics.
TICKETS
Antonio Pompa-Baldi
Après une lecture de Liszt
Antonio Pompa-Baldi, piano
Sergei Lyapunov Transcendental Etude, Op. 11, No. 12, “Elegy in memory of Franz Liszt”
Frédéric Chopin Twelve Etudes, Op. 10
Franz Liszt Ballade No. 2; Sposalizio from Années de Pèlerinage II; and Concert paraphrase on Ernani
Roberto Piana Après une lecture de Liszt
This virtuosic program is a tribute to the greatest piano virtuoso of all time, Franz Liszt. Sergei Lyapunov, Frederic Chopin, and Roberto Piana, all dedicated fabulous works to the great Master, while enriching the piano repertoire with their beautiful music. Franz Liszt himself is featured in some of his best creations. This program is a truly compelling combination of emotional fire and finger acrobatics.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2013 AT 4:00PM
Les grâces
Italianisme! Italian Fashion Week in Paris, c. 1700
Jennifer Paulino, soprano; Rebekah Ahrendt, viola da gamba; Jonathan Rhodes Lee, harpsichord; Special Guest Carla Moore, violin
Works by Corelli, Antonia Bembo, Couperin, Stuck, and others (including some arias performed by no one else in the modern world that I dug out of dusty libraries)
At the turn of the 18th century, Paris went wild for anything that sounded “Italian.” Contemporaries complained that Italian-inspired genres like the sonata or cantata were literally “springing up under one’s feet”! From imported works by actual Italians to Italian-inspired pieces by French composers, this program explores the Italian fashions that tickled Parisian ears.
TICKETS
Les grâces
Italianisme! Italian Fashion Week in Paris, c. 1700
Jennifer Paulino, soprano; Rebekah Ahrendt, viola da gamba; Jonathan Rhodes Lee, harpsichord; Special Guest Carla Moore, violin
Works by Corelli, Antonia Bembo, Couperin, Stuck, and others (including some arias performed by no one else in the modern world that I dug out of dusty libraries)
At the turn of the 18th century, Paris went wild for anything that sounded “Italian.” Contemporaries complained that Italian-inspired genres like the sonata or cantata were literally “springing up under one’s feet”! From imported works by actual Italians to Italian-inspired pieces by French composers, this program explores the Italian fashions that tickled Parisian ears.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013 AT 8:00PM
John Boyajy
John Boyajy, piano
Ann Callaway Etherea
Debussy L’Isle Joyeuse
Chopin Ballade in F major, Ballade in F minor
Bach Italian Concerto
John Boyajy received Bachelor’s and Masters degrees from the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied with Rosina Lhévinne and Mieczyslaw Münz. He has appeared at Avery Fischer Hall in Lincoln Center; many college campuses; the Concerts Grand and Dance Palace piano series in Marin County; and Old First Concerts and the Victorian Englander House in San Francisco. He has appeared as guest soloist in Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto and Choral Fantasy with the Bay Area Classical Harmonies Orchestra and Chorus under Andrew Chung. John has served as a judge at many competitions, including the United States Open Music Competition. Greatly appreciated by singers for his work as a collaborative pianist, he accompanies the choir at All Saints Lutheran Church in Novato; directs Queen’s Court, a chamber chorus of young women; and teaches piano and coaches vocalists at his San Marin studio. He serves on the Board of Directors of LIEDER ALIVE!, a San Francisco-based organization that invigorates the teaching of German lieder.
TICKETS
John Boyajy
John Boyajy, piano
Ann Callaway Etherea
Debussy L’Isle Joyeuse
Chopin Ballade in F major, Ballade in F minor
Bach Italian Concerto
John Boyajy received Bachelor’s and Masters degrees from the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied with Rosina Lhévinne and Mieczyslaw Münz. He has appeared at Avery Fischer Hall in Lincoln Center; many college campuses; the Concerts Grand and Dance Palace piano series in Marin County; and Old First Concerts and the Victorian Englander House in San Francisco. He has appeared as guest soloist in Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto and Choral Fantasy with the Bay Area Classical Harmonies Orchestra and Chorus under Andrew Chung. John has served as a judge at many competitions, including the United States Open Music Competition. Greatly appreciated by singers for his work as a collaborative pianist, he accompanies the choir at All Saints Lutheran Church in Novato; directs Queen’s Court, a chamber chorus of young women; and teaches piano and coaches vocalists at his San Marin studio. He serves on the Board of Directors of LIEDER ALIVE!, a San Francisco-based organization that invigorates the teaching of German lieder.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013 AT 4:00PM
Divisa Ensemble
Tomiko Tsai, flute; Adrienne Malley, oboe; Quelani Penland, violin; Stephanie Ng, viola; Sara Styles, 'cello
Works by WF Bach, Mozart, Reger, Rubbra, and Schubert
The Divisa Ensemble is recognized for its engaging performances and eclectic programming. A quintet of flute, oboe, violin, viola, and ‘cello, the ensemble’s instrumentation and “mix-and-match” approach allow for a wide variety of repertoire comprising all traditional and contemporary styles. The name “Divisa Ensemble” is derived from the Italian and French terms divisi (divided) and ensemble (together). Programs feature pieces with varied instrumental combinations ranging from duos to quintets with all five members performing as one complete ensemble.
TICKETS
Divisa Ensemble
Tomiko Tsai, flute; Adrienne Malley, oboe; Quelani Penland, violin; Stephanie Ng, viola; Sara Styles, 'cello
Works by WF Bach, Mozart, Reger, Rubbra, and Schubert
The Divisa Ensemble is recognized for its engaging performances and eclectic programming. A quintet of flute, oboe, violin, viola, and ‘cello, the ensemble’s instrumentation and “mix-and-match” approach allow for a wide variety of repertoire comprising all traditional and contemporary styles. The name “Divisa Ensemble” is derived from the Italian and French terms divisi (divided) and ensemble (together). Programs feature pieces with varied instrumental combinations ranging from duos to quintets with all five members performing as one complete ensemble.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013 AT 7:00PM
The Opera Academy of California
Master Class
Sheri Greenawald
Please note special time
The Opera Academy of California develops singers as performers so that they have the skills and confidence to interpret the intentions of the composer and to communicate them to an audience, through a rigorous program of masterclasses and recitals. Sheri Greenawald, San Francisco Opera Center Director, will join Opera Academy of California for a special Master Class in which she will work one on one with students of the Academy. Audiences can see this master teacher and world renowned soprano at work guiding artists to achieve refined performances. Ms. Greenawald has had a distinguished international operatic singing career as a soprano, noted in particular for her enormous range of roles. She has sung featured roles with (among others) San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Venice’s La Fenice, the Munich State Opera, Paris’s Châtelet Theater, Welsh National Opera, Seattle Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, the Netherlands Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Naples’s Teatro San Carlos and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Greenawald completed the Professional Studies Program at the Juilliard School of Music and has received a Rockefeller Grant, NEA Grant, and was Seattle Opera Association’s Artist of the Year in 1998. She was the vocal coach of the Santa Fe Apprentice Program in 1999 and opera director of the program in 2000, and has given master classes the Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
TICKETS
The Opera Academy of California
Master Class
Sheri Greenawald
Please note special time
The Opera Academy of California develops singers as performers so that they have the skills and confidence to interpret the intentions of the composer and to communicate them to an audience, through a rigorous program of masterclasses and recitals. Sheri Greenawald, San Francisco Opera Center Director, will join Opera Academy of California for a special Master Class in which she will work one on one with students of the Academy. Audiences can see this master teacher and world renowned soprano at work guiding artists to achieve refined performances. Ms. Greenawald has had a distinguished international operatic singing career as a soprano, noted in particular for her enormous range of roles. She has sung featured roles with (among others) San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Venice’s La Fenice, the Munich State Opera, Paris’s Châtelet Theater, Welsh National Opera, Seattle Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, the Netherlands Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Naples’s Teatro San Carlos and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Greenawald completed the Professional Studies Program at the Juilliard School of Music and has received a Rockefeller Grant, NEA Grant, and was Seattle Opera Association’s Artist of the Year in 1998. She was the vocal coach of the Santa Fe Apprentice Program in 1999 and opera director of the program in 2000, and has given master classes the Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2013 AT 4:00PM
The Opera Academy of California
Aria Afternoon
In the visually stunning and acoustically well balanced venue of the Old First Church, emerging artists from The Opera Academy program will perform in six master classes with world renowned opera directors, singers, and coaches. Audiences can see masters at work and witness the process of the emerging artist improving in performance right on the stage. Artists will also present collections of opera’s finest Arias in three recitals. Works of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, Strauss and more will be performed. Participating Artists represent some of the finest emerging opera talent of the San Francisco Bay Area and the world.
TICKETS
The Opera Academy of California
Aria Afternoon
In the visually stunning and acoustically well balanced venue of the Old First Church, emerging artists from The Opera Academy program will perform in six master classes with world renowned opera directors, singers, and coaches. Audiences can see masters at work and witness the process of the emerging artist improving in performance right on the stage. Artists will also present collections of opera’s finest Arias in three recitals. Works of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, Strauss and more will be performed. Participating Artists represent some of the finest emerging opera talent of the San Francisco Bay Area and the world.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013 AT 7:00PM
The Opera Academy of California
Master Class
Jane Randolph
Please note special time
Jane Randolph’s 25 years of experience teaching voice to students has led her across North America, from L’Atelier de L’Opéra de Montréal and L’Université de Montréal to establishing private studios in San Diego, San Francisco and New York. Her students have sung in major national and international opera companies and have been winners of countless prestigious competitions, such as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the San Francisco Opera Auditions and the Operalia-Domingo Competition. After completing her studies at the University of California–Santa Barbara, the University of California–Los Angeles and the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, Randolph spent four seasons as a coloratura soprano at the Staatstheater in Luzern, Switzerland. She subsequently enjoyed an extensive career in opera, recital and oratorio in the United States, Europe and Australia. Randolph is renowned for her commitment to her students as well as her passion for the art of singing.
TICKETS
The Opera Academy of California
Master Class
Jane Randolph
Please note special time
Jane Randolph’s 25 years of experience teaching voice to students has led her across North America, from L’Atelier de L’Opéra de Montréal and L’Université de Montréal to establishing private studios in San Diego, San Francisco and New York. Her students have sung in major national and international opera companies and have been winners of countless prestigious competitions, such as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the San Francisco Opera Auditions and the Operalia-Domingo Competition. After completing her studies at the University of California–Santa Barbara, the University of California–Los Angeles and the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, Randolph spent four seasons as a coloratura soprano at the Staatstheater in Luzern, Switzerland. She subsequently enjoyed an extensive career in opera, recital and oratorio in the United States, Europe and Australia. Randolph is renowned for her commitment to her students as well as her passion for the art of singing.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013 AT 8:00PM
Dmitri Matheny Group
Sagebrush Rebellion
Dmitri Matheny, flugelhorn; Dave Ellis, tenor & soprano saxophones; Matthew Clark, piano; Ruth Davies, bass; Deszon X. Claiborne, drums
The Dmitri Matheny Group presents an evening of fresh, original works—including the World Premiere of Matheny's Sagebrush Rebellion—familiar jazz classics, hard bop, west coast cool and beloved standards from the Great American Songbook.
"An all-star jazz band featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in the western United States, the Dmitri Matheny Group is a cohesive and seamless unit, serving up equal parts soulful expression, caressing phrases, imaginative asides, and dedicated lyricism." (All About Jazz). Directed by musician/composer Dmitri Matheny ("the first breakthrough flugelhornist since Chuck Mangione" –San Jose Mercury News), the DMG has developed an engaging repertoire and a strong international following. The group's signature sound pleases both crowds and critics, balancing fresh, original works with familiar jazz classics, hard bop, west coast cool and beloved standards from the Great American Songbook. "Their music is a fertile landscape without boundaries," writes the Oakland Tribune, "earning Matheny and his cohorts a reputation as one of the most eclectic and daring ensembles on today's jazz scene." Celebrated for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, American musician Dmitri Matheny is an honors graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and the Berklee College of Music, Boston. First introduced to jazz audiences in the 1990s as the protégé of Art Farmer, Matheny has matured into "one of the jazz world's most talented horn players" (San Francisco Chronicle), touring internationally and releasing nine critically acclaimed CDs.
TICKETS
Dmitri Matheny Group
Sagebrush Rebellion
Dmitri Matheny, flugelhorn; Dave Ellis, tenor & soprano saxophones; Matthew Clark, piano; Ruth Davies, bass; Deszon X. Claiborne, drums
The Dmitri Matheny Group presents an evening of fresh, original works—including the World Premiere of Matheny's Sagebrush Rebellion—familiar jazz classics, hard bop, west coast cool and beloved standards from the Great American Songbook.
"An all-star jazz band featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in the western United States, the Dmitri Matheny Group is a cohesive and seamless unit, serving up equal parts soulful expression, caressing phrases, imaginative asides, and dedicated lyricism." (All About Jazz). Directed by musician/composer Dmitri Matheny ("the first breakthrough flugelhornist since Chuck Mangione" –San Jose Mercury News), the DMG has developed an engaging repertoire and a strong international following. The group's signature sound pleases both crowds and critics, balancing fresh, original works with familiar jazz classics, hard bop, west coast cool and beloved standards from the Great American Songbook. "Their music is a fertile landscape without boundaries," writes the Oakland Tribune, "earning Matheny and his cohorts a reputation as one of the most eclectic and daring ensembles on today's jazz scene." Celebrated for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, American musician Dmitri Matheny is an honors graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and the Berklee College of Music, Boston. First introduced to jazz audiences in the 1990s as the protégé of Art Farmer, Matheny has matured into "one of the jazz world's most talented horn players" (San Francisco Chronicle), touring internationally and releasing nine critically acclaimed CDs.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013 AT 7:00PM
The Opera Academy of California
Master Class
Yefim Maizel
Please note special time
Yefim Maizel will work one on one with talented singers from OAC’s Emerging Singer Program in an educational performance experience. With an emphasis on character, emotion, movement and staging, Mr. Maizel will guide singers to the ultimate theatrical expression of arias from the greatest opera repertoire. Yefim Maizel has directed and assisted in the former Soviet Union, in Europe, in Japan and in the U.S. at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington Opera, Mariinsky Opera, Wexford Opera Festival, Saito Kinen Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Pacific, Michigan Opera Theater and Opera Santa Barbara. Since 1999 Yefim Maizel has been engaged as a Guest stage Director at the Metropolitan Opera, where for many seasons he directed Madama Butterfly (Puccini) - with Placido Domingo conducting in 2004. He has assisted on productions of Il Trovatore (Verdi), Manon (Massenet), Idomeneo (Mozart), Don Carlo (Verdi), Elektra (Strauss), Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Mozart), Otello (Verdi), The Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky) and Das Rheingold (Wagner). In 2005, Mr. Maizel established the Opera Academy of California where he serves as CEO, Artistic Director and Stage Director.
TICKETS
The Opera Academy of California
Master Class
Yefim Maizel
Please note special time
Yefim Maizel will work one on one with talented singers from OAC’s Emerging Singer Program in an educational performance experience. With an emphasis on character, emotion, movement and staging, Mr. Maizel will guide singers to the ultimate theatrical expression of arias from the greatest opera repertoire. Yefim Maizel has directed and assisted in the former Soviet Union, in Europe, in Japan and in the U.S. at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington Opera, Mariinsky Opera, Wexford Opera Festival, Saito Kinen Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Pacific, Michigan Opera Theater and Opera Santa Barbara. Since 1999 Yefim Maizel has been engaged as a Guest stage Director at the Metropolitan Opera, where for many seasons he directed Madama Butterfly (Puccini) - with Placido Domingo conducting in 2004. He has assisted on productions of Il Trovatore (Verdi), Manon (Massenet), Idomeneo (Mozart), Don Carlo (Verdi), Elektra (Strauss), Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Mozart), Otello (Verdi), The Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky) and Das Rheingold (Wagner). In 2005, Mr. Maizel established the Opera Academy of California where he serves as CEO, Artistic Director and Stage Director.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 AT 8:00PM
The Delphi Trio
O1C Artists-in-residence
Liana Bérubé, violin; Michelle Kwon, 'cello; Jeffrey LaDeur, piano
Please come early and join us for a pre-concert talk at 7:30.
The Delphi Trio conclude their residency at Old First Concerts with a concert premiering a newly commissioned work by composer Minna Choi, along with other masterworks of the piano trio repertoire. Praised for their intensity and communicative power, the Delphi Trio burst onto the San Francisco classical music scene in 2010. Liana Bérubé, Michelle Kwon, and Jeffrey LaDeur met while in the prestigious Strings and Piano Chamber Music degree program at the San Francisco Conservatory. The Delphi Trio views trust, integrity, and honesty as the cornerstone of its ensemble, both interpersonally and musically. A devotion to finding truth in music and scores along with an innate spontaneity as an ensemble are the core of their artistic approach. While the Delphi Trio is passionate about the richly diverse standard piano trio repertory, they are also devoted to developing and performing new works. The trio is excited to be part of Old First Concerts' Residency Program, and are focusing their residency around the premieres of three newly commissioned works. For more information please visit thedelphitrio.com.
TICKETS
The Delphi Trio
O1C Artists-in-residence
Liana Bérubé, violin; Michelle Kwon, 'cello; Jeffrey LaDeur, piano
Please come early and join us for a pre-concert talk at 7:30.
The Delphi Trio conclude their residency at Old First Concerts with a concert premiering a newly commissioned work by composer Minna Choi, along with other masterworks of the piano trio repertoire. Praised for their intensity and communicative power, the Delphi Trio burst onto the San Francisco classical music scene in 2010. Liana Bérubé, Michelle Kwon, and Jeffrey LaDeur met while in the prestigious Strings and Piano Chamber Music degree program at the San Francisco Conservatory. The Delphi Trio views trust, integrity, and honesty as the cornerstone of its ensemble, both interpersonally and musically. A devotion to finding truth in music and scores along with an innate spontaneity as an ensemble are the core of their artistic approach. While the Delphi Trio is passionate about the richly diverse standard piano trio repertory, they are also devoted to developing and performing new works. The trio is excited to be part of Old First Concerts' Residency Program, and are focusing their residency around the premieres of three newly commissioned works. For more information please visit thedelphitrio.com.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2013 AT 4:00PM
The Opera Academy of California
Aria Afternoon
In the visually stunning and acoustically well balanced venue of the Old First Church, emerging artists from The Opera Academy program will perform in six master classes with world renowned opera directors, singers, and coaches. Audiences can see masters at work and witness the process of the emerging artist improving in performance right on the stage. Artists will also present collections of opera’s finest Arias in three recitals. Works of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, Strauss and more will be performed. Participating Artists represent some of the finest emerging opera talent of the San Francisco Bay Area and the world.
TICKETS
The Opera Academy of California
Aria Afternoon
In the visually stunning and acoustically well balanced venue of the Old First Church, emerging artists from The Opera Academy program will perform in six master classes with world renowned opera directors, singers, and coaches. Audiences can see masters at work and witness the process of the emerging artist improving in performance right on the stage. Artists will also present collections of opera’s finest Arias in three recitals. Works of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, Strauss and more will be performed. Participating Artists represent some of the finest emerging opera talent of the San Francisco Bay Area and the world.
TICKETS
Performance Permalink
