2012 Spring Gala: Music by the Bay May 3, 2012

Champagne Reception 6:00 pm * Concert 7:00 pm * Live Auction

Venue name and address provided upon ticket purchase.

Mozart's Piano Concerto #14 (first movement)
Audrey Vardanega, piano

Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet
Arranged by Mark Ackerley, Red Bennett, David Gottlieb, and Noah Luna for 14 musicians, as part of our Incredible Shrinking Orchestra Project

Come to the Cabaret
Anja Strauss, soprano; Daniel Cilli, baritone; With the SFCO All-Star Cabaret Orchestra; Songs by Jacques Brel, Leonard Bernstein, Friedrich Hollaender, and Kurt Weill

This unique evening of music and fun--presented before a stunning waterfront view of the San Francisco Bay--showcases the innovation and talent of California's oldest (and most enjoyable) professional chamber orchestra.

The event begins with an elegant champagne reception at 6:00, followed by a concert of Mozart, Prokofiev, and cabaret, starting at 7:00. Features include established vocalists Anja Strauss and Daniel Cilli, the return of rising star and Bay Area native Audrey Vardanega on piano, and a world premiere from the SFCO's "Incredible Shrinking Orchestra Project." A live auction at intermission features a short selection of must-have experiences, from wine tasting and private recitals, to a yacht cruise around the Bay and a vacation rental in Sun Valley during ski season. Gala tickets are $150 and $250 per person, with additional opportunities for sponsorship. Proceeds benefit the SFCO's complete season of admission-free concerts and educational programming.

The 2011-2012 season marks the 10th anniversary of Benjamin Simon's appointment to music director by founder Edgar Braun. The Chamber Orchestra's May 3 gala is an appropriate toast not only to their unique programming and exceptional talent, but also to his decade of successful leadership. Time will tell what further surprises lie ahead for the Bay Area's favorite chamber orchestra.

Official Website: http://www.sfchamberorchestra.org/events/gala/