The King's Singers in Concert February 17, 2010

San Francisco Performances presents the legendary a cappella group the King's Singers performing the world premiere of "Tres Mitos de Mi Tierra (Three Myths of My Land)," by Berkeley composer Gabriela Lena Frank. The program also includes songs by Bennet, Schutz, Weelkes and Monteverdi; "Saltarelle" by Saint-Saens; and closed-harmony arrangements.

The Grammy Award-winning King's Singers have set the bar for a cappella performance since their inception at King's College, Cambridge, in 1968. Comprised of counter-tenors David Hurley and Timothy Wayne-Wright; tenor Paul Phoenix; baritones Philip Lawson and Christopher Gabbitas; and bass Stephen Connolly, the group is one of most critically acclaimed vocal ensembles in the world.

Commissioned by the King's Singers with the Minnesota Commissioning Club, "Tres Mitos de Mi Tierra" draws inspiration from the mountain cultures of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Identity has always been at the heart of Gabriela Lena Frank's music. Born in Berkeley to a mother of mixed Peruvian/Chinese ancestry and a father of Lithuanian/Jewish descent, she has traveled extensively throughout South America and her compositions reflect her studies of Latin-American folklore, incorporating poetry, mythology and native musical styles into a unique Western classical framework.

A 2009 recipient of a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, Frank has also recently been named to the new position of Creative Advisor to the Berkeley Symphony.

In addition to sold-out concerts worldwide, the King's Singers offer numerous workshops and master classes with choral ensembles. They are also regulars on radio and television, having produced their own six-part A&E series "The King's Singers Madrigal Mystery Tour," appeared on "The Tonight Show" and the "The Today Show," and on NPR.

Official Website: http://www.performances.org