Pink Martini with the San Francisco Symphony June 30, 2011

The sound: 1930s Cuban dance orchestra, classical chamber ensemble, Brazilian street band, and Japanese film noir. The band: Pink Martini, an eclectic 12-member “little orchestra.” Pink Martini returns to Davies Symphony Hall to perform two special concerts with the Orchestra on Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1 at 8 p.m. and at the Flint Center Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m. SFS Resident Conductor Donato Cabrera conducts. The Portland, Oregon-based ensemble was created in 1994 by Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale to play at political fundraisers for progressive causes. Fronted by multilingual and multitalented China Forbes, the group made its European debut at the Cannes Film Festival, and has since toured the world to great acclaim. Its latest CD, recorded with the Oregon Symphony, was released last year.