14th Season 2017-18
"A Nun, A Queen, The Lady & A King"
Just one person can change the world and our 14th season explores four individuals who left their mark on history, and the musical world as well! In addition, our popular concert of Lessons & Carols returns as well as our annual free event to you, “A Prelude to Valentine’s Day.” We look forward to seeing you at a concert – or for the whole season!
"A Nun, A Queen, The Lady & A King"
Just one person can change the world and our 14th season explores four individuals who left their mark on history, and the musical world as well! In addition, our popular concert of Lessons & Carols returns as well as our annual free event to you, “A Prelude to Valentine’s Day.” We look forward to seeing you at a concert – or for the whole season!
SPECIAL CONCERT - Noontime Concerts
May 15 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
We are delighted to return to perform on this iconic free concert series with a selection of rarely performed madrigals and motets from Renaissance England, Spain and Italy. Enjoy this lush polyphony performed by one singer on a part during your lunch break! No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - come and enjoy an hour with some great music!
May 15 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
We are delighted to return to perform on this iconic free concert series with a selection of rarely performed madrigals and motets from Renaissance England, Spain and Italy. Enjoy this lush polyphony performed by one singer on a part during your lunch break! No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - come and enjoy an hour with some great music!
A KING: To Henry, from Florence with Love
with dancer Irenie Melin-Gompper, and actor Meg Trowbridge
Sunday, May 20 - 4:00 pm
St. Clement's Episcopal Church
2837 Claremont Blvd., Berkeley - CLICK HERE for tickets
Saturday, May 26 - 7:30 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco - CLICK HERE for tickets
The King has moved his court to Hunsdon for fear of catching the "sweating sickness" and only a few servants and members of the household remain behind. Two young Wards stumble upon a mysterious basket that holds music books that in all likelihood were a gift to Henry from the republic of Florence by ambassador Francesco Portinari as they play in the library. They summon the Keeper of the King's Library who knows exactly what to do - gather the household and sing from them!
We are delighted to present a rare performance of madrigals from this collection of Italian masterpieces, sent as a gift to Henry VIII from Florence, Italy, a five-volume set of madrigal and motet partbooks that were assembled in Florence and sent as a gift—or "musical embassy"—to the English court in the late 1520's. Our stellar singers will be joined by actors Twila Ehmcke, Allison Newman, and Ryan Newman, dancer Irenie Melin-Gompper, and Matthew Xie, plucked instruments, for this very special costumed production, which will also include English and Spanish pieces from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The performance of these rarely heard works of the pieces from the Florentine part books is made possible through the kind permission of The University of Chicago Press.
Our singers for this production are:
Daniel Harper as The Chief Baker
Katherine McKee as Keeper of the King's Library
Naomi Newman as The Nurse
Colby Roberts as Friar Dionysius Memmo
Dan Stanley as The Steward of the Silver and Venetian Glass
Nick Volkert as The Master of the Horse
with dancer Irenie Melin-Gompper, and actor Meg Trowbridge
Sunday, May 20 - 4:00 pm
St. Clement's Episcopal Church
2837 Claremont Blvd., Berkeley - CLICK HERE for tickets
Saturday, May 26 - 7:30 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco - CLICK HERE for tickets
The King has moved his court to Hunsdon for fear of catching the "sweating sickness" and only a few servants and members of the household remain behind. Two young Wards stumble upon a mysterious basket that holds music books that in all likelihood were a gift to Henry from the republic of Florence by ambassador Francesco Portinari as they play in the library. They summon the Keeper of the King's Library who knows exactly what to do - gather the household and sing from them!
We are delighted to present a rare performance of madrigals from this collection of Italian masterpieces, sent as a gift to Henry VIII from Florence, Italy, a five-volume set of madrigal and motet partbooks that were assembled in Florence and sent as a gift—or "musical embassy"—to the English court in the late 1520's. Our stellar singers will be joined by actors Twila Ehmcke, Allison Newman, and Ryan Newman, dancer Irenie Melin-Gompper, and Matthew Xie, plucked instruments, for this very special costumed production, which will also include English and Spanish pieces from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The performance of these rarely heard works of the pieces from the Florentine part books is made possible through the kind permission of The University of Chicago Press.
Our singers for this production are:
Daniel Harper as The Chief Baker
Katherine McKee as Keeper of the King's Library
Naomi Newman as The Nurse
Colby Roberts as Friar Dionysius Memmo
Dan Stanley as The Steward of the Silver and Venetian Glass
Nick Volkert as The Master of the Horse
CONCERTS ALREADY PERFORMED IN OUR 2017-18 SEASON:
SANTA CRUZ BAROQUE FESTIVAL: Music from the Medici Codex
March 3 – 7:30 pm
Holy Cross Church, 126 High Street, Santa Cruz
CLICK HERE for tickets available through the Festival's website
We make our first appearance at the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival as the featured performers on a concert celebrating the 500th anniversary of music from the Medici Codex. Take a moment to consider the best wedding present ever given. Then consider coming to this performance of music from the Medici Codex, a choir-book gifted exactly 500 years ago to Pope Leo X’s nephew. The book was collected from the best composers of the Renaissance, and stands the test of time due to the stunning nature of the vocal music. These sacred compositions were written during a time of political strife and represent some of the challenges and beauty of the time. You will hear voices leaping in and out of one another, a big, moving sound, performed by us and other ensembles who have come together to celebrate this unique collection of music. Ensemble Ariose under the baton of Camille Couture and the UCSC (University of California Santa Cruz) Chamber Singers, conducted by Michael McGushin will also perform on this concert.
March 3 – 7:30 pm
Holy Cross Church, 126 High Street, Santa Cruz
CLICK HERE for tickets available through the Festival's website
We make our first appearance at the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival as the featured performers on a concert celebrating the 500th anniversary of music from the Medici Codex. Take a moment to consider the best wedding present ever given. Then consider coming to this performance of music from the Medici Codex, a choir-book gifted exactly 500 years ago to Pope Leo X’s nephew. The book was collected from the best composers of the Renaissance, and stands the test of time due to the stunning nature of the vocal music. These sacred compositions were written during a time of political strife and represent some of the challenges and beauty of the time. You will hear voices leaping in and out of one another, a big, moving sound, performed by us and other ensembles who have come together to celebrate this unique collection of music. Ensemble Ariose under the baton of Camille Couture and the UCSC (University of California Santa Cruz) Chamber Singers, conducted by Michael McGushin will also perform on this concert.
THE LADY: Ave Virgo - Music for the Feasts of our Lady
March 17 – 7:30 pm
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley - CLICK HERE for tickets
March 18 - 4:00 pm
The Church of the Advent of Christ the King
261 Fell Street, San Francisco - CLICK HERE for tickets
March 24 - 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco - CLICK HERE for tickets
This exquisite concert of rarely performed music will feature Heinrich Isaac's (c1450-1517) monumental 6-part, rarely performed masterpiece, Missa Virgo Prudentissima. Woven between the movements of the mass will be 4, 5, 6, and 8-part motets (many of them from the Medici Codex of 1518) written by Josquin, Obrecht, Mouton, Willaert, Jacquet de Mantua, and the mysterious Jean Le Santier for the feast days of the Virgin Mary. Come and experience the dazzling beauty of this amazing sacred polyphony, resplendent with the magic of interwoven voices, and the glory of a cappella singing.
March 17 – 7:30 pm
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley - CLICK HERE for tickets
March 18 - 4:00 pm
The Church of the Advent of Christ the King
261 Fell Street, San Francisco - CLICK HERE for tickets
March 24 - 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco - CLICK HERE for tickets
This exquisite concert of rarely performed music will feature Heinrich Isaac's (c1450-1517) monumental 6-part, rarely performed masterpiece, Missa Virgo Prudentissima. Woven between the movements of the mass will be 4, 5, 6, and 8-part motets (many of them from the Medici Codex of 1518) written by Josquin, Obrecht, Mouton, Willaert, Jacquet de Mantua, and the mysterious Jean Le Santier for the feast days of the Virgin Mary. Come and experience the dazzling beauty of this amazing sacred polyphony, resplendent with the magic of interwoven voices, and the glory of a cappella singing.
A SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS
December 23 - 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
*** FREE EVENT - No reservations or tickets required ***
We join our host as Artists-in-Residence, The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in San Francisco, for our annual Service of Lessons & Carols as we re-create the service that originated in 1918 at King’s College (England) celebrating the season as well as the end of World War I. Featured will be motets and carols by Ravenscroft, Tallis, Hassler, Praetorius, as well as Bay Area composer Angela Kraft Cross' setting of Slumber Song, commissioned by us in 2016 and set to a text by Alameda poet Elisabeth Eliassen. And as always, there will be plenty of carols for you to sing along with us, accompanied by organist Vaughn Jones. Not only is it a free event (no tickets or reservations are required) but one of our most popular offerings, so be sure to come early to get a good seat - don't miss it!
December 23 - 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
*** FREE EVENT - No reservations or tickets required ***
We join our host as Artists-in-Residence, The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in San Francisco, for our annual Service of Lessons & Carols as we re-create the service that originated in 1918 at King’s College (England) celebrating the season as well as the end of World War I. Featured will be motets and carols by Ravenscroft, Tallis, Hassler, Praetorius, as well as Bay Area composer Angela Kraft Cross' setting of Slumber Song, commissioned by us in 2016 and set to a text by Alameda poet Elisabeth Eliassen. And as always, there will be plenty of carols for you to sing along with us, accompanied by organist Vaughn Jones. Not only is it a free event (no tickets or reservations are required) but one of our most popular offerings, so be sure to come early to get a good seat - don't miss it!
A QUEEN: An Elizabethan Christmas
- with special guest artist, soprano Susan Gundunas as Queen Elizabeth I
Postponed until December 2018
This costumed performance that takes place in the court of Elizabeth I will feature the choral music of the Yuletide season from the Renaissance and beyond by our stellar singers, including a special surprise or two. Audience favorite, soprano Susan Gundunas of Phantom of the Opera and Opera San Jose, joins us once again in her role of Queen Elizabeth I. Included in this festive evening will be lots of opportunity for you to sing favorites of the season along with us - and our traditional Milk and Christmas Cookie Reception follows the concert (and includes wine, mead or champagne for those of you who are lactose intolerant)!
- with special guest artist, soprano Susan Gundunas as Queen Elizabeth I
Postponed until December 2018
This costumed performance that takes place in the court of Elizabeth I will feature the choral music of the Yuletide season from the Renaissance and beyond by our stellar singers, including a special surprise or two. Audience favorite, soprano Susan Gundunas of Phantom of the Opera and Opera San Jose, joins us once again in her role of Queen Elizabeth I. Included in this festive evening will be lots of opportunity for you to sing favorites of the season along with us - and our traditional Milk and Christmas Cookie Reception follows the concert (and includes wine, mead or champagne for those of you who are lactose intolerant)!
Gala Fundraising Hallo'Evening
with guest artists organist Rani Fisher, and Duo Broceliande
October 28 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
Help us scare up some funding for our 14th Season 2017-18!
Come join us to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with special morsels, wine and mead, and festivities. The evening starts with a short concert featuring your favorite spooky organ pieces including J. S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in dminor performed by guest organist Rani Fisher interspersed with a cappella part songs and ballads of death by a quartet of our stellar singers. You’ll also be able to fill your trick or treat bag by taking part in our Silent Auction featuring a variety of goodies such as tickets to concerts and special events, vintage items, jewelry and more. At the reception that ends the evening, enjoy a deadly delicious array of foods as members of our dance troupe entertain you with Plague Dances and other period dances (including an opportunity to learn some steps yourself) accompanied by Duo Broceliande who will also perform music of the harvest.
DO come in costume or mask – it promises to be a spooktacular evening!
with guest artists organist Rani Fisher, and Duo Broceliande
October 28 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
Help us scare up some funding for our 14th Season 2017-18!
Come join us to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with special morsels, wine and mead, and festivities. The evening starts with a short concert featuring your favorite spooky organ pieces including J. S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in dminor performed by guest organist Rani Fisher interspersed with a cappella part songs and ballads of death by a quartet of our stellar singers. You’ll also be able to fill your trick or treat bag by taking part in our Silent Auction featuring a variety of goodies such as tickets to concerts and special events, vintage items, jewelry and more. At the reception that ends the evening, enjoy a deadly delicious array of foods as members of our dance troupe entertain you with Plague Dances and other period dances (including an opportunity to learn some steps yourself) accompanied by Duo Broceliande who will also perform music of the harvest.
DO come in costume or mask – it promises to be a spooktacular evening!
Service for the Visitation of the Bishop
October 22 - 10:00 am - free event
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
Join us when we sing for the first time as Artists-in-Residence at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation when they celebrate the visit of the Bishop of California, The Right Reverend Marc Handley Andrus. We'll be singing Hildegard's O Pater omnipotens, Byrd's Ave Verum Corpus, Monteverdi's Cantate Domino and other music as part of this all-inclusive service - come join us for this free event!
October 22 - 10:00 am - free event
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
Join us when we sing for the first time as Artists-in-Residence at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation when they celebrate the visit of the Bishop of California, The Right Reverend Marc Handley Andrus. We'll be singing Hildegard's O Pater omnipotens, Byrd's Ave Verum Corpus, Monteverdi's Cantate Domino and other music as part of this all-inclusive service - come join us for this free event!
Ordo Virtutum - with guest artists:
Deepak Ram, bansuri master & Diana Rowan, Celtic harper,
Todd Jolly, percussionist, with San Francisco Renaissance Dancers
under the direction of Jennifer Meller with guest choreographer
Kaveri Seth
September 17 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Special performance for The Feast Day of St. Hildegard
The Church of the Advent of Christ the King
261 Fell Street, San Francisco
San Francisco Renaissance Voices (Katherine McKee, Music Director) acclaimed East-Indian infused production ("Hildegard's music rang out anew," ... Los Angeles Times) of Ordo Virtutum (The Play of the Virtues) by the medieval mystic nun Hildegard von Bingen kicks off our 14th Season! If you missed our August performances of this magical piece here's your chance to experience it (or experience it again) performed on the actual Feast Day of St. Hildegard! One of the earliest extant liturgical musical dramas that provided the basis for the art form we now know as opera, Ordo Virtutum tells the story of the challenges of The Human Soul (Anime) as she is guided by The Virtues led by their queen Humility, to obtain wholeness of the spirit. Our stellar singers will fill the roles of The Virtues featuring Alice Del Simone as the Soul and Linda Liebschutz as their queen. Other cast includes: Twila Ehmcke as Chastity, Winona Hendrick as Fear of God, Innocence & Patience, Alison King as Hope & Modesty, Elfrieda Langemann as Discipline & Discretion, Lisa May as Celestial Love & Knowledge of God, Gail MacGowan as Victory & Obedience, Faith & Mercy, and Maura Sipila as Charity & Contempt of the World.ells the story of the challenges of The Human Soul (Anime) as she is guided by The Virtues led by their queen Humility, to obtain wholeness of the spirit. Our stellar singers and dancers (Jennifer Meller and Isabelle Sjahsam) will be joined by our returning original-cast, internationally-renowned instrumentalists, Deepak Ram (bansuri) and Diana Rowan (Celtic harp), and local favorite, Todd Jolly (percussion).
Deepak Ram, bansuri master & Diana Rowan, Celtic harper,
Todd Jolly, percussionist, with San Francisco Renaissance Dancers
under the direction of Jennifer Meller with guest choreographer
Kaveri Seth
September 17 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Special performance for The Feast Day of St. Hildegard
The Church of the Advent of Christ the King
261 Fell Street, San Francisco
San Francisco Renaissance Voices (Katherine McKee, Music Director) acclaimed East-Indian infused production ("Hildegard's music rang out anew," ... Los Angeles Times) of Ordo Virtutum (The Play of the Virtues) by the medieval mystic nun Hildegard von Bingen kicks off our 14th Season! If you missed our August performances of this magical piece here's your chance to experience it (or experience it again) performed on the actual Feast Day of St. Hildegard! One of the earliest extant liturgical musical dramas that provided the basis for the art form we now know as opera, Ordo Virtutum tells the story of the challenges of The Human Soul (Anime) as she is guided by The Virtues led by their queen Humility, to obtain wholeness of the spirit. Our stellar singers will fill the roles of The Virtues featuring Alice Del Simone as the Soul and Linda Liebschutz as their queen. Other cast includes: Twila Ehmcke as Chastity, Winona Hendrick as Fear of God, Innocence & Patience, Alison King as Hope & Modesty, Elfrieda Langemann as Discipline & Discretion, Lisa May as Celestial Love & Knowledge of God, Gail MacGowan as Victory & Obedience, Faith & Mercy, and Maura Sipila as Charity & Contempt of the World.ells the story of the challenges of The Human Soul (Anime) as she is guided by The Virtues led by their queen Humility, to obtain wholeness of the spirit. Our stellar singers and dancers (Jennifer Meller and Isabelle Sjahsam) will be joined by our returning original-cast, internationally-renowned instrumentalists, Deepak Ram (bansuri) and Diana Rowan (Celtic harp), and local favorite, Todd Jolly (percussion).
Deepak Ram is a versatile artist who is well known for his evocative performances in traditional North Indian (Hindustani) classical music, his collaborations with musicians of other genres, his innovative compositions and for his excellence as a teacher, and is considered one of the great bansuri masters performing throughout the world today.
An award-winning musical artist performing worldwide, Diana Rowan’s playing and compositions have unusual power and beauty. She integrates global musical traditions with fluency and reverence. Born in Ireland and raised the child of an Irish diplomat, Diana has traveled, lived and performed on six continents. As a natural outgrowth of this inspiration, her music interweaves global music, art, spirituality and mythology.
San Francisco Renaissance Voices Emeritus Music Director, Todd Jolly, is a percussionist, a published composer and arranger, and an ordained Presbyterian minister, he also teaches music at Stuart Hall for Boys, third through eighth grade, and directs two boy choirs. Once a member of the directing staff of the internationally renowned San Francisco Boys Chorus, he appears on occasion with them still. During the fall of 2004 Mr. Jolly was Composer-in-Residence at Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, composing two commissioned pieces, To Be Read at a Funeral and The Oath, which were subsequently performed at the school.
San Francisco Renaissance Voices Emeritus Music Director, Todd Jolly, is a percussionist, a published composer and arranger, and an ordained Presbyterian minister, he also teaches music at Stuart Hall for Boys, third through eighth grade, and directs two boy choirs. Once a member of the directing staff of the internationally renowned San Francisco Boys Chorus, he appears on occasion with them still. During the fall of 2004 Mr. Jolly was Composer-in-Residence at Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, composing two commissioned pieces, To Be Read at a Funeral and The Oath, which were subsequently performed at the school.
Concerts performed as part of our 2016-17 Season ...
Devoted Daughters & Weird Sisters
with guest artists, MUSA instrumental ensemble
September 17 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
September 18 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. Bede's Episcopal Church
2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
September 24 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
The Auditorium @ St. Mark's Square
1031 Franklin Street (Urban Life Center), San Francisco
September 25 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Giacomo Carissimi's baroque oratorio, Jephte, might more appropriately be titled Jephte's Daughter. Carissimi's ravishing score beautifully illuminates the story of the obedient daughter who makes the ultimate sacrifice for her father. San Francisco Renaissance Voices Music Director Katherine McKee, sopranos Rita Lilly and Lisa May, mezzo soprano Naomi Braun, contralto Elisabeth Eliassen, tenor Corey Head, bass Joey Valkevich, and the San Francisco Renaissance Dancers (led by Jennifer Meller) will be joined by the talented young performers of MUSA Baroque Instrumental Ensemble under the direction of Derek Tam for this performance. The second half of the program features music inspired by heroines from Shakespeare’s plays, including solo and one-on-a-part ensemble pieces from Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, & The Tempest, as well as Richard Leveridge’s rarely performed music for Macbeth.
with guest artists, MUSA instrumental ensemble
September 17 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
September 18 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. Bede's Episcopal Church
2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
September 24 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
The Auditorium @ St. Mark's Square
1031 Franklin Street (Urban Life Center), San Francisco
September 25 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Giacomo Carissimi's baroque oratorio, Jephte, might more appropriately be titled Jephte's Daughter. Carissimi's ravishing score beautifully illuminates the story of the obedient daughter who makes the ultimate sacrifice for her father. San Francisco Renaissance Voices Music Director Katherine McKee, sopranos Rita Lilly and Lisa May, mezzo soprano Naomi Braun, contralto Elisabeth Eliassen, tenor Corey Head, bass Joey Valkevich, and the San Francisco Renaissance Dancers (led by Jennifer Meller) will be joined by the talented young performers of MUSA Baroque Instrumental Ensemble under the direction of Derek Tam for this performance. The second half of the program features music inspired by heroines from Shakespeare’s plays, including solo and one-on-a-part ensemble pieces from Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, & The Tempest, as well as Richard Leveridge’s rarely performed music for Macbeth.
SPECIAL CONCERT - The Feast of All Saints
November 1 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
We are delighted to make our debut on this iconic free concert series; one of two concerts that we will perform on Noontime Concerts this season. This concert will feature chant, motets, anthems, and other music for The Feast of All Saints by William Byrd, Sor Juana de la Cruz, Carlota Ferrari, Hildegard von Bingen, Mark Schweizer, and Thomas Tallis. No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - come and enjoy your lunch hour with some great music!
November 1 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
We are delighted to make our debut on this iconic free concert series; one of two concerts that we will perform on Noontime Concerts this season. This concert will feature chant, motets, anthems, and other music for The Feast of All Saints by William Byrd, Sor Juana de la Cruz, Carlota Ferrari, Hildegard von Bingen, Mark Schweizer, and Thomas Tallis. No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - come and enjoy your lunch hour with some great music!
TAIZE SERVICE - The Feast of All Souls
November 2 - 7:30 pm
Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
We join Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, our host as Artists-in-Residence for a service of prayer and music in the meditative Taize style. Our Music Director Katherine McKee will conduct us in several pieces from our November 1 Noontime Concerts performance as part of the service. This event is free and no reservations are required.
November 2 - 7:30 pm
Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
We join Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, our host as Artists-in-Residence for a service of prayer and music in the meditative Taize style. Our Music Director Katherine McKee will conduct us in several pieces from our November 1 Noontime Concerts performance as part of the service. This event is free and no reservations are required.
A Festival of Lessons & Carols
- Annual Free Family Concert
December 10 - 7:30 pm (Cookie decorating begins at 6:45 pm)
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
Our annual holiday gift to our audiences, this traditional Lessons & Carols is modeled after the event first performed at King's College Cambridge (England) in 1918 and performed every year there, and around the world, since. We again honor a tradition of the festival and will debut a commissioned carol by Bay Area composer Angela Kraft Cross, using text by Bay Area poet Elisabeth Eliassen. This year we invite children of all ages to join us beforehand to create Christmas cookies that will be served at the reception after the concert and, as always, there will be lots of opportunities for you to sing Christmas carols along with us as part of the evening. This is a free event, our Christmas gift to you - no tickets or reservations are required - just come and enjoy the evening!
- Annual Free Family Concert
December 10 - 7:30 pm (Cookie decorating begins at 6:45 pm)
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
Our annual holiday gift to our audiences, this traditional Lessons & Carols is modeled after the event first performed at King's College Cambridge (England) in 1918 and performed every year there, and around the world, since. We again honor a tradition of the festival and will debut a commissioned carol by Bay Area composer Angela Kraft Cross, using text by Bay Area poet Elisabeth Eliassen. This year we invite children of all ages to join us beforehand to create Christmas cookies that will be served at the reception after the concert and, as always, there will be lots of opportunities for you to sing Christmas carols along with us as part of the evening. This is a free event, our Christmas gift to you - no tickets or reservations are required - just come and enjoy the evening!
SPECIAL CONCERT - A Festival of Lessons & Carols
December 20 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
Should you not be able to make our December 10 evening Lessons & Carols, join us for a slightly shorter lunch-time performance in celebration of the season! No cookies at this performance but still plenty of chances for you to sing along. No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - everyone is welcome!
December 20 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
Should you not be able to make our December 10 evening Lessons & Carols, join us for a slightly shorter lunch-time performance in celebration of the season! No cookies at this performance but still plenty of chances for you to sing along. No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - everyone is welcome!
Seventh Annual Boar's Head Festival
January 6 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets!
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
January 7 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets!
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
1111 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco
January 8 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets!
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere
Join us for this 650 year old tradition celebrating Twelfth Night ... Our seventh annual Boar’s Head Festival, delights audiences young and old alike, and is our most popular event of each and every season!
January 6 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets!
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
January 7 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets!
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
1111 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco
January 8 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets!
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere
Join us for this 650 year old tradition celebrating Twelfth Night ... Our seventh annual Boar’s Head Festival, delights audiences young and old alike, and is our most popular event of each and every season!
This evening of feasting, libations, music and dramatic surprises takes place at the court of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth I with audience-favorites Phantom of the Opera's soprano Susan Gundunas joining us once again as our Queen and our dance troupe San Francisco Renaissance Dancers along with The Berkeley Morris Dancers taking the stage as well. In addition to the music of Medieval through Contemporary England, this year Robin Hood and his band of Merrie Men visit Her Majesty for an evening of hijinks, bawdy songs, and an entertaining surprise or two!
Any attire you choose for her majesty's court is fine ... however those of you who choose to come in period costume or masque will be especially welcomed!
***Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. CLICK HERE to send us an email requesting a quote.***
Any attire you choose for her majesty's court is fine ... however those of you who choose to come in period costume or masque will be especially welcomed!
***Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. CLICK HERE to send us an email requesting a quote.***
SPECIAL CONCERT - The Feast of Saint Valentine
February 14 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
The third of our concerts on Noontime Concerts this season is a musical valentine to San Francisco! This concert will be a preview of our March "Lady, My Lady" concerts and will feature excerpts of the program listed below. No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - be our valentine and come and enjoy your lunch hour with some great music!
February 14 - 12:30-1:15 pm
Noontime Concerts @ Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
660 California Street, San Francisco
The third of our concerts on Noontime Concerts this season is a musical valentine to San Francisco! This concert will be a preview of our March "Lady, My Lady" concerts and will feature excerpts of the program listed below. No tickets or reservations are required (donations accepted; $5 suggested) - be our valentine and come and enjoy your lunch hour with some great music!
Lady, My Lady - Music & Poetry of the Renaissance
February 18 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
1111 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco
February 19 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
February 25 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
February 26 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere
You will delight in the music and poetry of the 15th and early 16th centuries including treasures from the rarely-performed lady mass by Johannes Ockeghem, Missa Ma Maitresse and other musical gems dedicated to The Lady and ladies of the Renaissance including:
Fayrfax’s Eterne Laudis Lilium (from the Lambeth Choirbook), Victoria’s Versa est in luctum (in memory of Raymond Martinez), Palestrina’s motet Susanna ab Improbis Senibus, Handl’s Tota Pulchra est, amica mea, Songs and arias by Lady Mary Dering and Giovanni Pietro Biandra, trouvère songs by Blanche de Castille and Maroie de Diergnau, madrigals by Casulana, Hassler, Josquin, Luzzaschi, Rossi and Steffens and poetry from the Findern manuscript, and by Christine de Pizan, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Teresa of Avila, Mechtild of Magdeburg, and Devora Ascarelli.
February 18 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
1111 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco
February 19 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
February 25 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
February 26 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere
You will delight in the music and poetry of the 15th and early 16th centuries including treasures from the rarely-performed lady mass by Johannes Ockeghem, Missa Ma Maitresse and other musical gems dedicated to The Lady and ladies of the Renaissance including:
Fayrfax’s Eterne Laudis Lilium (from the Lambeth Choirbook), Victoria’s Versa est in luctum (in memory of Raymond Martinez), Palestrina’s motet Susanna ab Improbis Senibus, Handl’s Tota Pulchra est, amica mea, Songs and arias by Lady Mary Dering and Giovanni Pietro Biandra, trouvère songs by Blanche de Castille and Maroie de Diergnau, madrigals by Casulana, Hassler, Josquin, Luzzaschi, Rossi and Steffens and poetry from the Findern manuscript, and by Christine de Pizan, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Teresa of Avila, Mechtild of Magdeburg, and Devora Ascarelli.
Wonder Women - with guest artists: Katherine Heater, harpsichord & Gretchen Claassen, viola da gamba/cello
May 13 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
May 14 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere
May 20 - 8:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
Trianon Theatre
72 North Fifth Street, San Jose
May 21 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
May 24 - 11:45 am
Santa Clara University Music & Dance Facility Recital Hall
Corner of Lafayette & Franklin Streets, Santa Clara
(NOTE: The May 24 concert is part of Santa Clara University's free noontime concert series, open to the public. This concert will be a reduced-time version of the program listed below. No tickets or reservations are required.)
Guest artists Katherine Heater, harpsichord and Gretchen Claassen, viola da gamba/cello, join us for this very special concert featuring works by early women composers for women's voices including several west coast and modern-day premieres. Music includes that of the late Renaissance/early Baroque Italian "musical nuns," Raffaella Aleotti, Caterina Assandra, Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, Isabella Leonarda, Maria Xaveria Peruchona, and Lucrezia Orsini Vizzana, as well as a motets by Maria Francesca Nascinbeni dAncona and Mexican poet/philosopher Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and chant by Hildegard von Bingen, Beatritz de Dia and Kassia.
May 13 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
Seventh Avenue Performances @ Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
May 14 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere
May 20 - 8:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
Trianon Theatre
72 North Fifth Street, San Jose
May 21 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
May 24 - 11:45 am
Santa Clara University Music & Dance Facility Recital Hall
Corner of Lafayette & Franklin Streets, Santa Clara
(NOTE: The May 24 concert is part of Santa Clara University's free noontime concert series, open to the public. This concert will be a reduced-time version of the program listed below. No tickets or reservations are required.)
Guest artists Katherine Heater, harpsichord and Gretchen Claassen, viola da gamba/cello, join us for this very special concert featuring works by early women composers for women's voices including several west coast and modern-day premieres. Music includes that of the late Renaissance/early Baroque Italian "musical nuns," Raffaella Aleotti, Caterina Assandra, Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, Isabella Leonarda, Maria Xaveria Peruchona, and Lucrezia Orsini Vizzana, as well as a motets by Maria Francesca Nascinbeni dAncona and Mexican poet/philosopher Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and chant by Hildegard von Bingen, Beatritz de Dia and Kassia.
Ordo Virtutum - with guest artists:
Deepak Ram, bansuri master & Diana Rowan, Celtic harper,
Todd Jolly, percussionist, with San Francisco Renaissance Dancers
under the direction of Jennifer Meller with guest choreographer
Kaveri Seth
August 19 - 4:00 pm (note non-standard time) - CLICK HERE for tickets
Sunset Arts East Meets West Series at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
August 20 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere/Tiburon
August 25 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Holy Rosary Catholic Church
1313 A Street, Antioch
August 26 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Trianon Theatre
72 North Fifth Street, San Jose
August 27 - 5:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. John's Presbyterian Church
2727 College Avenue, Berkeley
NOTE: Change of time/venue for August 27 from information originally published!
Our acclaimed East-Indian infused production ("Hildegard's music rang out anew," ... Los Angeles Times) of the rarely-performed work, Ordo Virtutum (The Play of the Virtues) by the medieval mystic nun Hildegard von Bingen - returns! Hildegard's only full length work, it is one of the earliest extant liturgical musical dramas that provided the basis for the art form we now know as opera. Ordo Virtutum tells the story of the challenges of The Human Soul (Anime) as she is guided by The Virtues led by their queen Humility, to obtain wholeness of the spirit. Our stellar singers will fill the roles of The Virtues featuring Leandra Ramm and Alice Del Simone (alternating roles) as the Soul and Linda Liebschutz as their queen. Other cast includes: Twila Ehmcke as Chastity, Winona Hendrick as Fear of God, Innocence & Patience, Alison King as Hope & Modesty, Elfrieda Langemann as Discipline & Discretion, Lisa May as Celestial Love & Knowledge of God, Gail MacGowan as Victory & Obedience, Diana Pray as Faith & Mercy, and Maura Sipila as Charity & Contempt of the World.
Deepak Ram, bansuri master & Diana Rowan, Celtic harper,
Todd Jolly, percussionist, with San Francisco Renaissance Dancers
under the direction of Jennifer Meller with guest choreographer
Kaveri Seth
August 19 - 4:00 pm (note non-standard time) - CLICK HERE for tickets
Sunset Arts East Meets West Series at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
1750 - 29th Avenue, San Francisco
August 20 - 4:00 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere/Tiburon
August 25 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Holy Rosary Catholic Church
1313 A Street, Antioch
August 26 - 7:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
Trianon Theatre
72 North Fifth Street, San Jose
August 27 - 5:30 pm - CLICK HERE for tickets
St. John's Presbyterian Church
2727 College Avenue, Berkeley
NOTE: Change of time/venue for August 27 from information originally published!
Our acclaimed East-Indian infused production ("Hildegard's music rang out anew," ... Los Angeles Times) of the rarely-performed work, Ordo Virtutum (The Play of the Virtues) by the medieval mystic nun Hildegard von Bingen - returns! Hildegard's only full length work, it is one of the earliest extant liturgical musical dramas that provided the basis for the art form we now know as opera. Ordo Virtutum tells the story of the challenges of The Human Soul (Anime) as she is guided by The Virtues led by their queen Humility, to obtain wholeness of the spirit. Our stellar singers will fill the roles of The Virtues featuring Leandra Ramm and Alice Del Simone (alternating roles) as the Soul and Linda Liebschutz as their queen. Other cast includes: Twila Ehmcke as Chastity, Winona Hendrick as Fear of God, Innocence & Patience, Alison King as Hope & Modesty, Elfrieda Langemann as Discipline & Discretion, Lisa May as Celestial Love & Knowledge of God, Gail MacGowan as Victory & Obedience, Diana Pray as Faith & Mercy, and Maura Sipila as Charity & Contempt of the World.