Jeffrey Thomas Artistic Director
“The audience had the last word, speaking in long and sustained waves of well-earned cheering and applause” San Francisco Classical Voice
2014–15 26th Season
Continuing with the momentum and excitement that made ABS’s 25th year so memorable, the American Bach Soloists present another season of Baroque masterworks and treasures performed by music director Jeffrey Thomas’s handpicked ensemble of early music performance experts. Six debut artists join the roster while ABS delves into new main season repertory for their first performances of Handel’s Acis and Galatea and Leo’s Cello Concerto in A Major. The ensemble brings their inimitable sense of balance, sonority, and dramatic performance to Bach’s fourth Brandenburg Concerto, St. Matthew Passion, fourth Orchestral Suite, and Concerto for Two Violins. Messiah in Grace Cathedral, three subscription series, special events—including “A Red Carpet Evening” Gala and a sensational Bach’s Birthday Celebration—and some of the early music world’s most admired educational programs inaugurate a second quarter century of inspiring artistry and priceless concert experiences.
SEASON SPONSORS
Anonymous Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee The Jeffrey Thomas Conducting Chair is generously underwritten by an Anonymous donor.
The American Bach Soloists are grateful for the support of these and other Foundations, Corporations, Government Agencies, and Individual Sponsors.
Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation Nakamichi Foundation American Bach Soloists are Artists-in-Residence at St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere.
americanbach.org
SEPTEMBER 2014 - SPECIAL EVENT
A Red Carpet Evening Gala Auction, Concert, and Dinner
Tatiana Chulochnikova violin Tanya Tomkins violoncello Steven Lehning viola da gamba Jeffrey Thomas harpsichord Saturday September 20 2014 5:00 p.m. St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere “A Red Carpet Evening” awaits you at this year’s annual American Bach Soloists gala auction, concert, and dinner! Our red carpet will lead you to exclusive auction items, with food and drink from Delicious! Catering and Grgich Hills Estate, and a special ABS performance to enjoy along the way. Don’t miss this intimate opportunity to mingle with ABS artists and fellow supporters, all while supporting the artistic and educational initiatives of ABS. A very special musical program will feature ABS Academy alumna Tatiana Chulochnikova joined by three ABS audience favorites.
Bach: Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major Bach: Toccata & Fugue in D Minor Vivaldi: Sonata for Cello in A Minor Erlebach: Sonata Terza Corelli: “La Folia” Sonata in D Minor
For reservations visit americanbach.org/gala or call (415) 621-7900 Sponsored by
Messiah in Grace Cathedral
DECEMBER 2014
Handel: Messiah (Foundling Hospital Version) Mary Wilson soprano Eric Jurenas countertenor Wesley Rogers tenor Jesse Blumberg baritone Jeffrey Thomas conductor Tuesday December 16 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Thursday December 18 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Friday December 19 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, San Francisco The season kicks off with five performances of Handel’s enduring masterwork, Messiah, given in three venues. Jeffrey Thomas will conduct the ABS periodinstrument orchestra, the acclaimed American Bach Choir, and an outstanding quartet of soloists in three performances in San Francisco’s historic Grace Cathedral. Additionally, the ensemble will debut at the Donald & Maureen Green Music Center in Rohnert Park, and will be presented at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in Davis. Tickets for the Green Center and Mondavi Center performances are not available through ABS. Additional performances: Sunday December 14 2014 4:00 p.m. - Mondavi Center, UC Davis - Call (530) 754-ARTS Sunday December 21 2014 3:00 p.m. - Green Music Center, Rohnert Park - Call (866) 955-6040 These performances are generously sponsored in part by Drs. Jose & Carol Alonso, Jan Goldberg, Marie Hogan & Douglas Lutgen, and Kim & Judith Maxwell. Mary Wilson’s appearance is generously sponsored by Jan Goldberg & Ken Hoffman. Eric Jurenas’s appearance is generously sponsored by John & Lois Crowe. Wesley Rogers’s appearance is generously sponsored by Marie Hogan & Douglas Lutgen. Jesse Blumberg’s appearance is generously sponsored by Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee.
Mary Wilson
“Her light, alluring, velvety voice is as soothing as a soft, warm blanket”
Opera News
Eric Jurenas
“beautiful, well-supported tone and compelling expression”
The New York Times
Wesley Rogers
“Who couldn’t enjoy tenor Wesley Rogers’ aria ‘Ev’ry Valley shall be exalted,’ which he sang so melodiously, with dexterity, strength and depth of tone?”
San Jose Mercury News
Jesse Blumberg
“confident, forceful, expressive. His attitude seemed to galvanize the entire performance”
New York Classical Review
Acis and Galatea
JANUARY 2015
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major Handel: Acis and Galatea Nola Richardson (debut) soprano Galatea Kyle Stegall (debut) tenor Acis Mischa Bouvier bass Polyphemus Zachary Wilder (debut) tenor Damon Jeffrey Thomas conductor Friday January 23 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere Saturday January 24 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, Berkeley Sunday January 25 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San Francisco Monday January 26 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, Davis Pre-concert “Insights” begin one hour prior to each performance. The subscription season opens with an attractive pairing of masterworks by two musical giants. Jeffrey Thomas will direct his renowned players in Bach’s fourth Brandenburg Concerto, a tour de force for violino principale and two recorders. The balance of the program will be devoted to Handel’s pastorale, Acis and Galatea. Full of buoyant, witty, charming melodies, it is one of his most popular operatic works. Thomas conducts a quartet of charismatic soloists in this story of love and jealousy. Acis pursues the nymph Galatea against the advice of his cohort, Damon, angering the envious giant, Polyphemus, whose murderous actions are annulled by a magical transformation. Three extraordinary vocalists make their ABS debuts on these programs, joining another ABS favorite, Mischa Bouvier. These performances are generously sponsored in part by Drs. Jose & Carol Alonso. Nola Richardson’s and Kyle Stegall’s appearances are generously sponsored by Judith Flynn. Mischa Bouvier’s and Zachary Wilder’s appearances are generously sponsored by George & Patricia Locke.
Nola Richardson
“astonishing balance and accuracy, lavishing crystalline diction on everything she touched”
The Washington Post
Kyle Stegall
“The most impressive by far was Kyle Stegall…lovely tone, ardent expression”
The New York Times
Mischa Bouvier
“the performances showed Bouvier’s greatest assets: remarkable technical facility and precision … Bouvier has chops”
San Francisco Classical Voice
Zachary Wilder
“nonchalantly confident in voice and bearing, his bright tenor running through the character’s roulades with easygoing swagger”
The Boston Globe
St. Matthew Passion
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015
Bach: St. Matthew Passion Wesley Rogers tenor Evangelista William Sharp baritone Christus Hélène Brunet (debut) & Clara Rottsolk sopranos Agnes Vojtko (debut) mezzo-soprano - Jay Carter countertenor Charles Blandy & Derek Chester tenors Joshua Copeland & Thomas Meglioranza baritones Jeffrey Thomas conductor Friday February 27 2015 7:30 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere Saturday February 28 2015 7:30 p.m. - First Congregational Church, Berkeley Sunday March 1 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San Francisco Monday March 2 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, Davis Pre-concert “Insights” begin one hour prior to each performance. ABS and Thomas, “unsurpassable as a Bach interpreter” (San Francisco Classical Voice), have become closely associated with this masterpiece. Their emotionally stirring performances are unforgettable. The experience of their 2012 performance of an early version of the work made a profound impact on audiences and critics alike. “I am so grateful I was there,” one patron excitedly proclaimed. SFCV remarked that the work, “when cleansed of much historical baggage, shone as new. Thanks to Thomas and ABS for such a profoundly beautiful, moving evening.” Returning to the work’s more familiar form this season, Thomas will direct the Passion with his accustomed focus on transparent textures, direct expression, and intense intimacy. ABS and the American Bach Choir will be joined by ten vocal soloists including two making their ABS debuts. These performances are generously sponsored by Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee. Wesley Rogers’s appearance is generously sponsored by Angela Hilt & Blake Reinhardt William Sharp’s appearance is generously sponsored by Paul & Sandra Ogden.
Hélène Brunet
“vocally alluring and musical in conception”
Bachtrack
Agnes Vojtko
“exceptionally even, modestly plush and heart-touching sound”
Bay Area Reporter
William Sharp
“a superbly communicative vocal artist, reached deeply into the heart of the texts as he sculpted the melodic lines.”
Baltimore Sun
Thomas Meglioranza
“uses his eloquent bass to create a sympathetic portrayal”
Cleveland Plain Dealer
ABS RECORDINGS
Selections from the 26th Season on CD Listen in advance and after the concerts.
Handel’s Messiah Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Bach’s St. Matthew Passion 1685 & The Art of Ian Howell Additional ABS Recordings MASTERWORKS SERIES
Bach Harpsichord Concertos Bach Italian Transcriptions Bach Mass in B Minor Beethoven Ninth Symphony Corelli Concerti Grossi Haydn Masses Schütz Choral & Vocal Works Carols for Christmas Mary Wilson Sings Handel BACH CANTATA SERIES
Solo Cantatas Trauerode Mühlhausen Cantatas Cantatas for Easter Weimar Cantatas Favorite Cantatas americanbach.org/recordings
MARCH 2015 - SPECIAL EVENT
Bach’s Birthday Celebration Anthony Newman organ & harpsichord Joshua Romatowski flute Friday March 20 2015 5:00 p.m. Fort Mason Center & St. Mark’s Lutheran Church San Francisco ABS is pleased to welcome renowned keyboardist, Anthony Newman, for a special one-nightonly event to celebrate the birthday of ABS’s namesake, Johann Sebastian Bach. Joined by Academy alumnus and ABS musician, Joshua Romatowski on flute, Newman will perform a series of works on harpsichord and, for the second half, offer an organ recital, all within the excellent acoustic environs of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Prior to the concert, a Bach’s Birthday Celebration will be held in the historic General’s Residence at the Fort Mason Center, and the performance will be followed by an exclusive reception with the artists. Shuttle transportation from the church to and from Fort Mason will be provided.
Bach: Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue Bach: Toccata, Adagio, & Fugue in C Major Bach: Flute Sonata in E-flat Major and other works by Bach, Couperin, and Newman
Anthony Newman
“a brilliant and analytical mind that is able to project more of the essence of Bach’s music than any other performer I know.”
High Fidelity Magazine
Joshua Romatowski
“the ‘even-song’ of a nightingale played with graceful intimacy by Joshua Romatowski”
San Francisco Classical Voice
For reservations visit americanbach.org/birthday or call (415) 621-7900 Anthony Newman’s appearance is generously sponsored by Dean Farwood.
Bach, Vivaldi, & Leo
MAY 2015
Bach: Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major Bach: Gott soll allein, mein Herze haben Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus Leo: Concerto for Violoncello in A Major Ian Howell countertenor Gretchen Claassen violoncello (2015 Jeffrey Thomas Award Recipient) Elizabeth Blumenstock & Cynthia Black (debut) violins Jeffrey Thomas conductor Friday May 1 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere Saturday May 2 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, Berkeley Sunday May 3 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San Francisco Monday May 4 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, Davis Pre-concert “Insights” begin one hour prior to each performance. This program of vocal and instrumental works includes the solo cantata Gott soll allein mein Herze haben (“God alone shall have my heart”) and Vivaldi’s psalm setting, Nisi Dominus, originally composed for an extraordinary soloist in his Venetian ensemble at the Ospedale della Pietà. The Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, Bach’s virtuosic tour through French dance forms, will showcase the magnificent instrumental forces of ABS. Another highlight will be the opportunity to hear the 2015 Jeffrey Thomas Award recipient, Gretchen Claassen, performing Leonardo Leo’s Concerto for Violoncello in A Major. Last but hardly least is Bach’s beloved Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor. These performances are generously sponsored in part by the Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation. Ian Howell’s appearance is generously sponsored by James R. Meehan.
Ian Howell
“sweetly agile yet powerful voice and he sang with lyrical splendor”
Chicago Classical Review
Gretchen Claassen
“A new generation taking up the ‘historic performance mantle’ – Gretchen Claassen … exceptional”
Peninsula Reviews
Elizabeth Blumenstock
“Introduce Elizabeth Blumenstock into this mix and the results are almost certainly going to be electric”
San Francisco Classical Voice
Jeffrey Thomas
“Jeffrey Thomas draws crisp, vital playing from the ace baroque instrumentalists of American Bach Soloists, who provide galvanizing vigor but also caress the gut strings of their period instruments with unusual beauty.”
Opera News
Insights
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC One hour prior to our regular performances in January through May 2015, enjoy a free and informative lecture given by an ABS musician. Three accomplished scholars will share their insights about the music, the composers, and the experience of hearing great music from the Baroque era performed to the highest standards. January - Acis and Galatea
Steven Lehning February / March - St. Matthew Passion
Debra Nagy May - Bach, Vivaldi, & Leo
Master Classes
Corey Jamason
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC ABS will present three Master Classes at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Witness the artistic transformations that make Master Classes so tremendously exciting, as performers and ABS musicians share their knowledge and insights. These events are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit americanbach.org/education. Monday January 19 2015 7:30 p.m. Steven Lehning basso continuo Monday February 23 2015 7:30 p.m. Derek Chester tenor Monday March 16 2015 7:30 p.m. Jeffrey Thomas conductor San Francisco Conservatory of Music 50 Oak Street at Van Ness The ABS Master Classes are generously sponsored by Judith Flynn.
AUGUST 7–16 2015 AT THE SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC The 2015 ABS Festival & Academy will feature music from the extravagant court of Versailles with glorious works by Lully, Rameau, and Gluck alongside masterpieces by Bach including the annual presentations of the great Mass in B Minor. Save the dates now; tickets go on sale early in 2015.
VERSAILLES & THE PARISIAN BAROQUE
Season-at-a-Glance
A RED CARPET EVENING
Saturday September 20 2014 5:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERE
MESSIAH IN GRACE CATHEDRAL
Tuesday December 16 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, SAN FRANCISCO Thursday December 18 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, SAN FRANCISCO Friday December 19 2014 7:30 p.m. - Grace Cathedral, SAN FRANCISCO
ACIS AND GALATEA
Friday January 23 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERE Saturday January 24 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BERKELEY Sunday January 25 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, SAN FRANCISCO Monday January 26 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DAVIS
ST. MATTHEW PASSION
Friday February 27 2015 7:30 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERE Saturday February 28 2015 7:30 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BERKELEY Sunday March 1 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, SAN FRANCISCO Monday March 2 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DAVIS
BACH’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Friday March 20 2015 5:00 p.m. - Fort Mason & St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, S.F.
BACH, VIVALDI, & LEO
Friday May 1 2015 8:00 p.m. - St. Stephen’s Church, BELVEDERE Saturday May 2 2015 8:00 p.m. - First Congregational Church, BERKELEY Sunday May 3 2015 4:00 p.m. - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, SAN FRANCISCO Monday May 4 2015 7:00 p.m. - Davis Community Church, DAVIS
2015 FESTIVAL & ACADEMY
Support ABS
Tickets go on sale early in 2015. Friday August 7 through Sunday August 16 2015 - S.F. Conservatory of Music
The American Bach Soloists engage and inspire audiences through historically informed performances, recordings, and educational programs that emphasize the music of the Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic eras. Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of bringing ABS to our community. ABS is proud to receive significant foundation and government support, but the bulk of our contributed income comes from generous donations from individuals like you. Won’t you please consider including a tax-deductible donation to help us bridge the gap? Become an ABS donor and enjoy special benefits. For more information, please call (415) 621-7900 or visit americanbach.org/support. Thank you!
americanbach.org (415) 621-7900
SINGLE TICKETS FORM ON REVERSE Order online to select your seats: americanbach.org/subscribe Order by phone: (415) 621-7900 Mail this form to: American Bach Soloists 44 Page Street Suite 403 San Francisco CA 94102-5975
Name Address City
State
Phone (Day)
(Eve)
Zip
Email SUBSCRIPTION SERIES 15% discount
Section AA* Section A Qty. / Price Qty./Price
Section B Qty./Price
Section C Qty./Price
Total
4 Concerts (with MESSIAH)
x $251
x $236
x $175
x $92
=
3 Concerts (no MESSIAH)
n/a
x $168
x $129
x $69
=
For Gala & Bach’s Birthday Celebration please call (415) 621-7900. ADD-ON SINGLE TICKETS Section AA* Section A only with subscriptions
Section B
Section C
Total
Messiah (Grace Cathedral)
x $83
x $68
x $46
x $23
=
All Others
n/a
x $56
x $43
x $23
=
Check here to request balcony seating. * Section AA: first five rows in Grace Cathedral only.
SUBTOTAL FOR TICKETS
=
SELECT PERFORMANCE DATES & VENUES Indicate # of seats next to each applicable date Messiah
_____12/16 SF
_____12/18 SF
_____12/19 SF
Acis and Galatea
_____1/23 Belvedere
_____1/24 Berkeley
_____1/25 SF
_____1/26 Davis
St. Matthew Passion
_____2/27 Belvedere
_____2/28 Berkeley
_____3/1 SF
_____3/2 Davis
Bach, Vivaldi, & Leo
_____5/1 Belvedere
_____5/2 Berkeley
_____5/3 SF
_____5/4 Davis
TICKETS from above
=
Tax-Deductible Contribution
+
NO Handling Charge for Subscribers TOTAL PAYMENT
+ $0.00 =
Check enclosed and made payable to American Bach Soloists Charge my Visa MasterCard American Express Discover
Card #
Exp.
month
/
year
Subscriptions
SUBSCRIBERS receive these benefits: ··Great Seats at Excellent Performances ··Financial Savings ··Free Ticket Exchange and Replacement ··Family and Friends Discounts ··Exclusive Perks ··More information at americanbach.org/subscribe
Single Tickets
Save by ordering online at least 48 hours in advance. ··Automatic 5% discounts at checkout ··No service charges or per ticket fees ··Choose your seats from online maps. ··Visit americanbach.org/tickets Phone and mail orders are subject to a $4 handling fee. Order by phone: (415) 621-7900 Mail this form to: American Bach Soloists 44 Page Street Suite 403 San Francisco CA 94102-5975
Name Address City
State
Phone (Day)
(Eve)
Zip
MESSIAH Choose date
Section AA
Tue 12/16 Thu 12/18 Fri 12/19
x $97
Section A
Section B
Section C
x $80
x $54
x $27
Total =
For Gala & Bach’s Birthday Celebration please call (415) 621-7900. JANUARY through MAY Indicate dates
Balcony?
Section A
Section B
Section C
Total
x $66
x $51
x $27
=
x $66
x $51
x $27
=
x $66
x $51
x $27
=
Students (30 and under with Valid ID) please purchase online.
SUBTOTAL FOR TICKETS
=
Tax-Deductible Contribution
+
(order ONLINE for no handling charge and 5% off: americanbach.org/tickets)
Handling Charge
+ $4.00
TOTAL PAYMENT
=
Check enclosed and made payable to American Bach Soloists Charge my Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Exp.
month
/
year
Card #
Venues SAN FRANCISCO Grace Cathedral 1100 California Street
STAGE SECTION A SECTION B SECTION C
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1111 O’Farrell Street
AA AA Premium Section
Grace Cathedral
BELVEDERE St. Stephen’s Church 3 Bayview Avenue BERKELEY First Congregational Church 2345 Channing Way at Dana DAVIS
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Davis Community Church 412 C Street at Fourth For more venue information, including seating diagrams, maps, and directions, please visit americanbach.org/venues. All seats are reserved. All sales are final. Programs and artists are subject to change.
St. Stephen’s Church
Balcony seating is not available in Grace Cathedral or sections B and C in Belvedere. To request balcony seating, please check the box on the order form. Section C in St. Stephen’s Church (Belvedere) includes some seats with partially obstructed views. We respect your privacy. ABS will never share or sell your email or telephone information to any third party.
First Congregational Church
For information about our Free Tickets for K-12 Music Educators Program, please visit americanbach.org/education. Photo credits: Gilles Brunet, Filip Celander, Eddie Frank, Ken Howard, Gene Kosoy, Robbie Lawson, Shelby Lewis, and others. American Bach Soloists 44 Page Street Suite 403 San Francisco CA 94102-5975 phone (415) 621-7900 | fax (415) 621-7920 americanbach.org | info@americanbach.org
Davis Community Church
americanbach.org
26th Season 2014–15
AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS 44 PAGE STREET SUITE 403 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102-5975
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN FRANCISCO, CA PERMIT NO. 1568