Free concert by the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra May 18, 2007

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra in partnership with the San Francisco International Arts Festival presents Crossroads: Music from the African Diaspora

With special guest soloists: Pianist William Chapman Nyaho and Violinist Karla Donehew
Benjamin Simon, Music Director

WHEN: Friday, May 18 at 8 PM (pre-concert talk at 7:30 PM)
WHERE: St. Johns Presbyterian Church (2727 College Ave., Berkeley)

PROGRAM:
Valerie Coleman Concertina (world premiere) featuring William Chapman Nyaho, piano
Wayne Wallace Cuban Variations (world premiere)
Eleanor Alberga The Wild Blue Yonder
Chevalier de St. Georges (the Black Mozart) Violin Concerto in A Major featuring Karla Donehew, violin
W.A. Mozart Symphony No. 29 in A Major
TICKETS: All concerts are FREE! Become an SFCO member for preferred seating.
MORE INFO: (415) 248-1640 or www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Also appearing in:
PALO ALTO
Saturday, May 19 at 8 PM (pre-concert talk at 7:30 PM)
St. Marks Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto)
SAN FRANCISCO
Sunday, May 20 at 3 PM (pre-concert talk at 2:30 PM)
Brava Theater (2781 24th St., San Francisco)
The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra (SFCO) wraps up their 53rd annual season with Crossroads: Music of The African Diaspora, presented in partnership with the San Francisco International Arts Festival. In true SFCO style, classic compositions will juxtapose new works. Eleanor Alberga, Valerie Coleman, and Wayne Wallace are accomplished 21st century performers and composers whose wonderful music reflects their diverse backgrounds. The sounds of 18th century Paris are brought to the present day in the music of Chevalier de St. Georges. Two world premieres, two top-notch soloists, and a cameo appearance by the real Mozart make this a wide-ranging and fascinating free program that you can't afford to miss.
In honor of the theme, music of the African Diaspora, SFCO commissioned two world premieres - Valerie Colemans Concertino for Piano and Chamber Orchestra, performed with special guest pianist William Chapman Nyaho from Ghana, and Cuban Variations by Wayne Wallace, a renowned jazz trombonist and San Francisco native. Cuban Variations is Wallace's first work for a classical ensemble.
"Crossroads..." will also feature a performance by violin prodigy Karla Donehew, a resident of Albany and student at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. Donehew will perform the Violin Concerto in A Major by Chevalier de St. Georges, nicknamed the Black Mozart, who was one of the most important musical figures in 18th century Paris.
These concerts are a hit with audiences and are frequently performed for capacity houses. Secure your premium seats to the concert by becoming a member of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra today. These remarkably affordable memberships entitle you to reserved priority seating at the concerts; otherwise the seating is first-come, first-served. Details available at: http://www.sfchamberorchestra.org





Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of NEQA.