Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale 2019/20 Season Brochure

Nicholas McGegan’s Farewell Season

Dear Friends,

I

t is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 39th season of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale. This will also be my last one as Music Director before I don my laurel crown. I have been in the post for nearly half my life and in that time the group has changed so much. We are now playing many more concerts, our repertoire has greatly expanded, we have toured both nationally and internationally, and collaborated with other organizations such as the marvelous Mark Morris Dance Group.

When I arrived in 1985, only baroque music was played, often with fairly small forces. Who would have thought that a generation later we would begin a season with a world premiere by a composer who was only three when I came to Philharmonia and that we would end the season with a fully staged French opera complete with baroque dance and flying dragons.

One great development that took place in the 1990’s was the foundation of the Philharmonia Chorale directed first by John Butt and currently by the peerless Bruce Lamott. To have our own group of experienced singers has greatly increased our repertoire, besides being a total joy to work with.

My arrival coincided with our first recording. Since then, we have made nearly fifty. Recordings are vital to our success as a musical organization. When we began, we made LPs, then CDs, and before us now, a whole digital horizon is opening up, including radio broadcasts. Recordings show the world what we can do and can travel to places we could never go in person. They also serve as a monument to what we have achieved over the last 35 years.

As you can imagine, it has been an enormous joy and privilege to be at the helm of PBO. So to all our wonderful musicians in the orchestra and chorale; to the board and staff, who make dreams come true; and to our faithful and generous audience, some of whom have been part of the PBO family from the beginning, heartfelt thanks.

Yours truly,

Nicholas McGegan, Waverley Fund Music Director

NICHOLAS McGEGAN over the years

981 50 135 35

Photo © RJ Muna

PBO performances PBO recordings composers performed inspired performances with Mark Morris Dance Group

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1985

Nic makes his PBO conducting debut with Handel’s Acis & Galatea

1994

PBO’s first collaboration with Mark Morris Dance Group

2004

PBO named “Ensemble of the Year”

by Musical America

2005

PBO debuts at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Royal Albert Hall

WONDERFUL YEARS 2010

Nic named Officer of the British Empire (OBE) “for services to music overseas”

2011

PBO launches Philharmonia Baroque Productions record label and earns GRAMMY® nomination

2016

Nic celebrates 30 years at PBO with Gala at City Hall and concert with opera star Susan Graham

2017

PBO’s first-ever, fullystaged production: the modern day premiere of Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire

WELCOME TO THE SEASON Dear Friends,

A

s we look towards Nicholas McGegan’s farewell season, we do so with immense gratitude for all that Nic has accomplished and for the foundation he has laid for a dynamic future. After 35 years at the podium, Nic will transition into his new role as Music Director Laureate, but not before tackling all that he has planned in 2019/20.

The season reflects Nic’s vision—an incredible juxtaposition of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and new music with works by Handel, Bach, and Mozart shining their light and influence on new works—beginning with a stunning new work commissioned by PBO from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, perfectly paired with Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Divine. And following its critically-acclaimed premiere at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, Philharmonia will bring Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo—a modern interpretation featuring today’s most important operatic stars, including countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo—for seven intimate, gut-wrenching performances. The season concludes with a lush, fully-staged production of Leclair’s opera Scylla et Glaucus with the same creative team that brought to life Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire in 2017. We’ll cap off the season when we bring this magnificent production to France for PBO’s debut at the Royal Opera House at Versailles!

Whether we see you at a signature concert, PBO SESSIONS, on tour, or observing our work with The Juilliard School, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the visionary dreams of a conductor fully realized in his final season. It is because of Nic that PBO is America’s leading historicallyinformed ensemble. In this booklet, we invite you to explore all that PBO has become and has to offer.

With gratitude,

Courtney Beck Executive Director

Kay Sprinkel Grace Board President

4 PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE

David Low Board President Elect

L’Allegro with Mark Morris Dance Group

PBO SESSIONS Jewish Songlines with Steven Isserlis

Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire at Cal Performances

On tour with Anne Sofie von Otter and Andreas Scholl at Walt Disney Concert Hall

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About the Orchestra U

nder the musical direction of Nicholas McGegan, O.B.E., for nearly 35 years, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale (PBO) is recognized as “America’s leading historically-informed ensemble” (The New York Times).

Using authentic instruments and stylistic conventions of the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods, PBO engages audiences through performance, tours, recordings, new works, and education of the highest caliber. Founded in 1981 by Laurette Goldberg, the ensemble is the largest of its kind in the United States.

PBO’s musicians are leaders in period performance and serve on the faculties of The Juilliard School, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Harvard, and Stanford, among others. It welcomes eminent guest artists including mezzosopranos Susan Graham and Anne Sofie von Otter, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, violoncellist Steven Isserlis, and maestros Jordi Savall and Richard Egarr.

The Orchestra enjoys numerous collaborations with preeminent artist partners like The Juilliard School, the Mark Morris Dance Group, and Cal Performances. PBO gave the U.S. premieres of Morris’ highly-acclaimed productions of Rameau’s ballet-opera Platée and Handel’s Acis and Galatea.

In 2017, PBO produced its first fully-staged opera, Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire, in collaboration with Cal Performances, Centre de musique baroque de Versailles, and New York Baroque Dance Company; and co-produced a critically-acclaimed modern dramatization of Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo with National Sawdust in New York and, now, San Francisco.

As a leading steward of historical legacy, PBO also invests in the future by commissioning new works by prominent composers such as Jake Heggie and Caroline Shaw, to illuminate the influence of 17th- and 18th-century music on contemporary creation.

Photo © Suzanne Karp

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Photo © Frank Wing

About the Chorale P

hilharmonia Chorale has been critically acclaimed for its brilliant sound, robust energy, and sensitive delivery of the text since its founding in 1995. Under the direction of Chorale Director and PBO Scholar-in-Residence Bruce Lamott since 1997, the Chorale was formed to provide a vocal complement whose fluency in the stylistic language of the Baroque period matched that of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Members of the Chorale are professional singers with distinguished solo and ensemble careers. They appear in roles with regional opera companies and have been members and founders of some of the country’s premier vocal ensembles.

The Chorale’s repertoire has included oratorios by Handel and Bach, masses by Beethoven and Mozart, and Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire. The singers have appeared on tour with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and at New York City’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. The Chorale appears on the Orchestra’s recordings of Arne’s Alfred, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire, and the upcoming release of Handel’s Joseph and his Brethren.

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OCT 17–20 Thursday, October 17 8 pm Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Friday, October 18 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto

Saturday, October 19 8 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley

Sunday, October 20 4 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley

World Premiere from Caroline Shaw

A COSMIC Notion P

ulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw returns to debut her most ambitious project yet for Philharmonia—a cosmic reflection for the otherworldly low-register voices of operatic stars contralto Avery Amereau and bass-baritone Dashon Burton. Perfectly paired with Handel’s expansive ode Eternal Source of Light Divine, the full forces of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale align with Nicholas McGegan at the helm as he opens his farewell season with a big bang of celestial proportions.

SHAW The Listeners HANDEL Eternal Source of Light Divine Nicholas McGegan, conductor Arwen Myers, soprano Avery Amereau, contralto Reginald Mobley, countertenor Dashon Burton, bass-baritone Philharmonia Chorale, Bruce Lamott, director Avery Amereau’s appearance is made possible with generous support from Christina & Kenneth Hecht; October 17th sponsored by Anne & Jeffrey Katz; October 20th sponsored by Elizabeth Anderson Mayer in memory of Henry Mayer

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“...Here is a composer giving free rein to her instinctive sensibilities.”

— The New York Times

Caroline Shaw

Avery Amereau

Photo © Kait Moreno

Dashon Burton SUBSCRIBE (415) 295-1900 philharmonia.org

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with guest conductor Jeannette Sorrell

Photo © Roger Mastroianni

“Sorrell presents an elegantly proportioned Symphony No. 40...vividly characterized.”

—The Independent, London

Gonzalo X. Ruiz

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Musings F

ounding director of acclaimed period-instrument ensemble Apollo’s Fire makes her long-awaited debut as guest conductor with an electrifying program of Mozart and more. Spanning his life from childhood to prime, Jeannette Sorrell and PBO present this enchanting Mozartian voyage, featuring PBO’s own Gonzalo X. Ruiz and a beautiful suite from Mozart’s then-popular contemporary André Grétry—Sorrell calls him, “Mozart, with a French accent.”

MOZART Overture to La finta semplice, K. 51 GRÉTRY Orchestral suite from Zémire et Azor MOZART Concerto for Oboe in C major, K. 314 MOZART Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 Jeannette Sorrell, conductor Gonzalo X. Ruiz, oboe

November 15th sponsored by Nicolas Elsishans & Christopher Hayes

NOV 13–17

MOZART’S

Wednesday, November 13 7:30 pm Bing Concert Hall, Stanford

Friday, November 15 8 pm Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, November 16 8 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley

Sunday, November 17 4 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley

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HANDEL’S Judas Maccabaeus

DEC 5–8

C

elebrate the triumph of perseverance and peace over oppressive adversity. Fire up the menorahs this holiday season—the conqu’ring hero comes! PBO favorite, tenor Nicholas Phan, rallies the troops in the title role of Handel’s heroic oratorio, one of the composer’s most enduringly popular works through his lifetime and since. Nic last brought this vital work to life in 1992, and he will conquer it again as only the foremost expert on Handel can! Nobody does Handel’s oratorios like Nic and Philharmonia.

HANDEL Judas Maccabaeus

Thursday, December 5 7 pm Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Friday, December 6 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto

Nicholas McGegan, conductor Robin Johannsen, soprano (Israelitish Woman) Sara Couden, mezzo-soprano (Israelitish Man) Nicholas Phan, tenor (Judas Maccabaeus) Anthony Reed, bass (Simon) Philharmonia Chorale, Bruce Lamott, director December 5th sponsored by Kathleen & Martin Cohn; December 8th sponsored by The Paul and Susan Sugarman Family Philanthropic Fund

Saturday, December 7 7 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley Sunday, December 8 4 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley

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Arm, arm, ye brave!

We never will bow down.

Robin Johannsen Anthony Reed

Sara Couden

—Chicago Tribune

Photo © Henry Dombey

“For Nicholas Phan, …singing is as much a crusade as an art form.”

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Photo © Jill Steinberg

Lauren Snouffer as Aci 14

HANDEL’S

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo

SPECIAL EVENT SERIES

Anthony Roth Costanzo as Galatea, Davóne Tines as Polifemo

>>>

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HANDEL’S

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo

T

he gender- and genre-bending operatic event that took New York City by storm in the summer of 2017 now makes landfall in San Francisco. Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times describes it as “an excitingly contemporary production that employs inventive videos and even electronic tweaks of the instruments in the orchestra.” Co-produced with National Sawdust, this harrowingly intimate re-imagination stars original cast members Anthony Roth Costanzo as Galatea and Davóne Tines as Polifemo, with Lauren Snouffer joining as Aci. The original production met with critical acclaim when it premiered in New York City in 2017. Now you can see it with Nicholas McGegan and the Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players at the Opening Night Gala (See page 31 for more info) or one of six stunning performances at ODC Theater.

Anthony Roth Costanzo 16

Davóne Tines

Lauren Snouffer

— The New York Times

HANDEL Aci, Galatea e Polifemo Nicholas McGegan, conductor Lauren Snouffer, soprano (Aci) Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor (Galatea) Davóne Tines, bass-baritone (Polifemo) Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players Christopher Alden, stage direction Mark Grey, sound & video design JAX Messenger, lighting design Terese Wadden, costume design Paul Tate dePoo III, set design Produced By Anthony Roth Costanzo and Cath Brittan A co-production of National Sawdust and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale

JAN 24 – FEB 1

“A radical production of a Handel rarity” that “wrings every bit of unsettling darkness from this curious work.”

Six Stunning Performances at ODC January 24, 25, 29, 31 and February 1, 8 pm January 26, 3 pm ODC Theater, San Francisco

Premium and general reserved tickets are available to subscribers now. Tickets go on sale to the public on August 1, 2019. Become a PBO subscriber today to get the best seats at this special event series.

PREMIUM RESERVED: $120 First two rows and post-performance champagne reception on stage with the artists.

STANDARD: $75 Get tickets by subscribing today!

Call (415) 295-1900.

Major support provided by David Low & Dominique Lahaussois, Mark Perry & Melanie Peña, and the Dr. Ross E. Armstrong Baroque Vocal Works Fund

Photo © Jill Steinberg

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Photo © Marco Borggreve

Richard Egarr

“The entire program dazzled under Egarr’s proclivity for lively interpretations…”

—SF Examiner

Cody Quattlebaum

James Reese

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Nola Richardson

CLAVIER with Music Director Designate Richard Egarr

I

magine being in Leipzig, in Zimmermann’s Coffeehouse, and watching Bach himself perform the “Coffee Cantata” while enjoying your favorite latte.

Richard Egarr pairs this lighthearted vocal work with some of Bach’s grandest instrumental music. Joined by the extraordinary talents of Nola Richardson, James Reese, and Cody Quattlebaum, all rising stars out of Yale or Juilliard voice programs, Richard concocts another powerful brew of Bach’s brilliant music from the bench of the harpsichord.

BACH Harpsichord Concerto No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058 BACH Cantata No. 211, Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht, BWV 211, “Coffee Cantata” BACH Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052 BACH Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 Richard Egarr, conductor & harpsichord Nola Richardson, soprano James Reese, tenor Cody Quattlebaum, bass-baritone

February 7th sponsored by Kay Sprinkel Grace; February 12th sponsored by Mrs. Jonathan B. Gifford

FEB 7–12

The WellCaffeinated

Friday, February 7 8 pm Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Saturday, February 8 8 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley Sunday, February 9 4 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley Wednesday, February 12 7:30 pm Bing Concert Hall, Stanford

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MAR 11–15 Wednesday, March 11 7:30 pm Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Friday, March 13 8 pm Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Saturday, March 14 8 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley Sunday, March 15 4 pm First Congregational Church, Berkeley

ROMANTIC

Reflections

with Alana Youssefian

L

ast year’s sensational Vivaldi virtuoso Alana Youssefian returns for a Romantic whirl with Mendelssohn’s impassioned concerto, lushly cushioned by the rousing overture to Cherubini’s first Parisian opera, and the expansive optimism of Schubert’s last completed symphony, considered to be his finest piece for orchestra. Let PBO’s gut strings pull your heartstrings into a warm, reflective embrace of historically-informed Romanticism.

CHERUBINI Overture to Démophoon MENDELSSOHN Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 SCHUBERT Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944, “The Great”

Nicholas McGegan, conductor Alana Youssefian, violin March 14th sponsored by Kate & David Gross

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“[Alana’s] sensitive dynamics and plangent emotional involvement yielded to dramatic fireworks as the work neared its close.”

—The Boston Musical Intelligencer

Alana Youssefian

Photo © Lauren Desberg

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Photo © Marc Ribes Virgin Classics

“…Encountering it on stage at last was like watching a resplendently bedecked giant stirring to life.”

– Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle (reviewing Rameau’s Le Temple de la Gloire)

Véronique Gens

Douglas Williams Judith van Wanroij 22 PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE

Chantal Santon Aaron Sheehan

Scylla et Glaucus

Fatal Attraction for the French Baroque

G

laucus the merman asks Circé the sea witch to introduce him to Scylla, the sea nymph. One problem: Circé is in love with Glaucus. The creative team from PBO’s celebrated Rameau opera production returns to create another fantastic project. The breathtaking soprano Véronique Gens, who “sends shivers down your spine” (The Guardian), makes her San Francisco debut as Circé.

LECLAIR Scylla et Glaucus Nicholas McGegan, conductor Chantal Santon, soprano (Scylla) Aaron Sheehan, haute-contre (Glaucus) Véronique Gens, soprano (Circé) Judith van Wanroij, soprano (Vénus, Témire, Dorine) Douglas Williams, baritone (Licas) New York Baroque Dance Company Les Chantres de la Maîtrise du Centre de musique baroque de Versailles Catherine Turocy, stage direction & choreography Marie Anne Chiment, costume design Pierre Dupouey, lighting & set design A co-production of Centre de musique baroque de Versailles and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale Major support provided by David Low & Dominique Lahaussois

APRIL 15–19

LECLAIR’S

Wednesday April 15 7 pm Friday April 17 7 pm * Saturday April 18 7 pm Sunday April 19 3 pm Herbst Theatre, San Francisco * Optional transportation to and from San Francisco available for Peninsula subscribers on Friday, April 17.

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C

ome to PBO SESSIONS for a guided and deconstructed tour of music, social and political history and art. Each 90-minute program includes multimedia, illuminating dialogue from the stage and incredible orchestral and vocal performances. Tickets to these lively experiences are always $25, and complimentary wine follows every performance along with an opportunity to engage with the artists. Learn more at philharmonia.org/pbo-sessions

A Cup o’ Johann with Richard Egarr

T

ake a deeper dive into the grounds and sounds of Café Zimmermann, where Bach and his Collegium Musicum gathered for free weekly concerts. Far from the formal demands of church or court, the eminent Thomaskantor could let loose with the secular and the silly— here a harpsichord concerto, there a humorous paean to the beverage that fueled those performances. The very caffeinated Music Director Designate Richard Egarr commands this coffeeaccompanying jaunt to Leipzig.

Thursday, February 6, 8pm ODC Theater, San Francisco

Jewish Songlines Performers, Patronage & Prejudice

P

hilharmonia’s Jews & Music Scholar Francesco Spagnolo joins forces with Nicholas McGegan once again, this time on a journey to the world of Mendelssohn and 19th-century Germany, a period in history rife with socio-political tensions, rich musical splendor, and religious conflict. As part of our Jews & Music Initiative, this riveting program offers musical reflections paired with dynamic discussion.

Tuesday, March 10, 8pm Bing Concert Hall Studio, Stanford

PBO SESSIONS is made possible with generous support from The Waverley Fund The Estate of Dr. Ross E. Armstrong

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PBO Recordings H

ear more with PBO’s critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY®-nominated recordings! Among the most-recorded orchestras in the world, Philharmonia boasts a discography of nearly 50 recordings, 11 of which have been released on the Philharmonia Baroque Productions©℗ label.

NEW!

Available April 2019!

Handel’s

Joseph and his Brethren “…a beautifully rendered collection of arias and choruses done with characteristic zeal under the leadership of Music Director Nicholas McGegan.”

—Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle

Shop online at iTunes, Amazon, or philharmonia.org/shop

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Special Concerts Learn more at philharmonia.org/tour

Music of Shakespeare

I

f music be the food of love, play on. Feast your ears on a banquet of music inspired by the Bard, dramatically vivified by Philharmonia favorite, soprano Sherezade Panthaki, and her alternately soaring and searing soprano.

CLARKE Overture to Titus Andronicus JOHNSON Songs from The Tempest PURCELL Curtain Tune on a Ground from Timon of Athens PURCELL Music from The Tempest PAISIBLE Suite from The Humours of Sir John Falstaff LINLEY Music from The Tempest Additional works by ARNE, WELDON, CHILCOT, DIBDIN Nicholas McGegan, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players Saturday, January 11, 8pm Bankhead Theater, Livermore Sunday, January 12, 3pm Sunset Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Sherezade Panthaki

Versailles Tour

Leclair’s Scylla et Glaucus in France

A

fter its US premiere, Philharmonia brings Scylla et Glaucus to France! This fully-staged drama of Jean-Marie Leclair’s only surviving opera continues in Versailles, the very heart of the French Baroque.

LECLAIR Scylla et Glaucus Nicholas McGegan, conductor Chantal Santon, soprano (Scylla) Aaron Sheehan, haute-contre (Glaucus) Véronique Gens, soprano (Circé) Judith van Wanroij, soprano (Vénus, Témire, Dorine) Douglas Williams, baritone (Licas) New York Baroque Dance Company Les Chantres de la Maîtrise du Centre de musique baroque de Versailles

Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 Royal Opera House, Palace of Versailles A co-production of Centre de musique baroque de Versailles and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale Major support provided by David Low & Dominique Lahaussois

Catherine Turocy, stage direction & choreography Marie Anne Chiment, costume design Pierre Dupouey, lighting design Antoine Fontaine, set design

To join us on tour, please contact cbeck@philharmonia.org or call (415) 520-1206 SUBSCRIBE (415) 295-1900 philharmonia.org

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New Music for Old Instruments A

s a leading steward of historical legacy, Philharmonia invests in the future by commissioning new works that demonstrate the enduring influence of 17th- and 18th-century inspirations. The goal is for audiences to hear new music balanced with the baroque and classical canon.

Philharmonia publicly launched the New Music for Old Instruments Initiative in 2016 to build this repertoire. Original commissions by prominent young composers, penned expressly for period instruments, illuminate how historic traditions inform contemporary creation.

PBO has commissioned and premiered a one-act opera by Guggenheim Fellow Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, and songs for Anne Sofie von Otter by Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw. It co-produced a modern dramatization of Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo with captivating video projections by Mark Grey, directed by Christopher Alden and starring Anthony Roth Costanzo, Davóne Tines, and Ambur Braid, which received rave reviews for its New York premiere at National Sawdust, and will appear with PBO in January 2020 (See page 14). Future seasons promise further inspiration and invention from Caroline Shaw, Kennedy Center composerin-residence Mason Bates, and LA Opera artist-in-residence Matthew Aucoin.

Caroline Shaw

Matthew Aucoin

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PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE

Photo Š Frank Wing

Jews & Music

I

n March 2015, Philharmonia launched the Jews & Music Initiative, a continuous exploration of the Jewish historical contexts that inform music-making from the 17th through the 21st centuries. It probes the rich legacies of Jewish composers and performers, the socio-political milieu they inhabited, and Jewish themes that have inspired music. Original programs illuminate the achievements of Jewish composers such as Felix Mendelssohn, as well as those who have been obscured by time and persecution, such as Salamone Rossi and Ignaz Moscheles. Canonical oratorios by George Frideric Handel gain historical heft and depth when revisited with insightful analysis of his scriptural sources and the social forces that supported his music. Rare gems of the repertoire that drew inspiration from Jewish culture, such as by Maurice Ravel, shine with new luster in the spotlight.

In upcoming seasons, Philharmonia will feature new music based on texts by seminal Jewish writers, including a commission of composer Matthew Aucoin set to the poetry of Paul Celan, a Holocaust survivor.

Philharmonia is proud to partner with preeminent Jewish cultural and educational institutions, including the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, the Magnes Collection at UC Berkeley, and the Oshman JCC. Jews & Music Initiative funded in part by the Drs. Ross E. Armstrong & Jonas (Jay) K. Stern Jews & Music Fund, the Gaia Fund, the Koret Foundation, and the Bloom Foundation.

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Education Programs Learn more at philharmonia.org/education

PBO & Juilliard To nurture the next generation of historically-informed performance, Philharmonia and The Juilliard School’s Historical Performance program partner to bring the star students of Juilliard415, the school’s acclaimed period-instrument ensemble, to practice and perform alongside PBO’s seasoned professionals. Annual residencies include masterclasses, coaching, and a culminating side-by-side showcase of PBO mentors and J415 students.

Juilliard’s Historical Performance program offers comprehensive graduate level study and performance of 17th- to 18th-century music on period instruments. The faculty comprises many of the leading performers and scholars in the field, including PBO’s own co-concertmaster Elizabeth Blumenstock, cellist Phoebe Carrai, oboist Gonzalo X. Ruiz, and trumpeter John Thiessen. Thus, the PBO partnership serves as a natural extension of Juilliard’s classroom as well as a professional launch pad for the leading talent of tomorrow.

The PBO/Juilliard collaboration is made possible with support from the Estate of Daniel E. Offutt III

Bay Area & Beyond PBO also maintains a full suite of local education programs for youth and adults throughout the Bay Area. Programs include In-School Presentations, Ensemble Coaching, Masterclasses, Community Center partnerships, Pre-concert Talks, and intimate opportunities to engage with the scholars and musicians.

PBO’s musicians keep the programs on the cutting edge of contemporary scholarship and musical excellence and regularly include visiting guest artists such as Jonathan Cohen, Richard Egarr, Rachel Podger, and Kristian Bezuidenhout.

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2020

Winter Gala

Opening Night of Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo oin us for the dramatic opening night of Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo. This modern reimagination using interactive video will lead you to the edge of your seat and deep into the dark realm of Handel’s taut and timely music drama. Now this star-studded production makes its Bay Area debut, led by Music Director Nicholas McGegan with the Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players, at PBO’s Annual Winter Gala.

You won’t want to miss this evening of riveting drama, culinary delights and jubilant celebration for Nicholas McGegan’s final season as Music Director and his 70th birthday year at the Diane Wilsey Center for Opera in San Francisco!

For info about the Aci, Galatea e Polifemo performance see page 16.

JAN 22

J

Diane Wilsey Center for Opera, San Francisco

Cocktail Party Bryan Education Studio, Wilsey Center for Opera Formal Dinner The Green Room, San Francisco War Memorial Performance of Aci, Galatea e Polifemo Taube Atrium Theater, Wilsey Center for Opera After Party Bryan Education Studio, Wilsey Center for Opera For more information, please contact us at gala2020@ philharmonia.org

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PERFORMANCE OCTOBER A Cosmic Notion 17 THURSDAY 18 FRIDAY 19 SATURDAY 20 SUNDAY

8 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 4 pm

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto First Congregational Church, Berkeley First Congregational Church, Berkeley

NOVEMBER Mozart’s Musings 13 WEDNESDAY 15 FRIDAY 16 SATURDAY 17 SUNDAY

7:30 pm 8 pm 8 pm 4 pm

Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Herbst Theatre, San Francisco First Congregational Church, Berkeley First Congregational Church, Berkeley

DECEMBER Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus 5 THURSDAY 6 FRIDAY 7 SATURDAY 8 SUNDAY

7 pm 7:30 pm 7 pm 4 pm

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto First Congregational Church, Berkeley First Congregational Church, Berkeley

JANUARY The Music of Shakespeare 11 SATURDAY 12 SUNDAY

8 pm 3 pm

Bankhead Theatre, Livermore Sunset Center, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Annual Winter Gala Opening Night Performance Aci, Galatea e Polifemo 22 WEDNESDAY 6 pm

Taube Atrium Theater, Wilsey Center, San Francisco

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo 24 FRIDAY 25 SATURDAY 26 SUNDAY 29 WEDNESDAY 31 FRIDAY

8 pm 8 pm 3 pm 8 pm 8 pm

ODC Theater, San Francisco ODC Theater, San Francisco ODC Theater, San Francisco ODC Theater, San Francisco ODC Theater, San Francisco

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CALENDAR FEBRUARY Aci, Galatea e Polifemo 8 pm

ODC Theater, San Francisco

PBO SESSIONS with Richard Egarr

2

1 SATURDAY

A Cup o’ Johann 6 THURSDAY

8 pm

ODC Theater, San Francisco

The Well-Caffeinated Clavier 7 FRIDAY 8 SATURDAY 9 SUNDAY 12 WEDNESDAY

8 pm 8 pm 4 pm 7:30 pm

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco First Congregational Church, Berkeley First Congregational Church, Berkeley Bing Concert Hall, Stanford

MARCH PBO SESSIONS

Jewish Songlines: Performers, Patronage & Prejudice 10 TUESDAY

8 pm

Bing Concert Hall Studio, Stanford

Romantic Reflections 11 WEDNESDAY 13 FRIDAY 14 SATURDAY 15 SUNDAY

7:30 pm 8 pm 8 pm 4 pm

Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Herbst Theatre, San Francisco First Congregational Church, Berkeley First Congregational Church, Berkeley

APRIL Leclair’s Scylla et Glaucus 15 WEDNESDAY 17 FRIDAY 18 SATURDAY 19 SUNDAY

7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 3 pm

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Join us for Scylla et Glaucus in France!

25 SATURDAY 7 pm

26 SUNDAY 3 pm

Royal Opera House Palace of Versailles, France Royal Opera House Palace of Versailles, France

SUBSCRIBE (415) 295-1900 philharmonia.org

33

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE BEST VALUE

Sub sc save up ribers off doo to 2 3% r prices !

PBO

subscribers become part of the “PBO family.” Making friends at PBO performances not only enhances your concert-going experience but enriches your life. Subscribers also enjoy a host of other benefits.

Early Access

Subscribers can get early access to tickets to exclusive events like this season’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo at ODC. Make sure you get yours!

Free Ticket Exchanges and Donation

Choose the programs you love in the venues and dates that suit you best. Choose from 3 to 6 concerts throughout the season to compose the perfect subscription for you!

Life moves fast and sometimes your plans change. That’s no problem for PBO subscribers. As a subscriber, you can exchange your tickets for another regular season performance free of charge, based on availability. If you can’t make it to any other concert, you may donate your unused ticket and receive a full tax-deduction.

The Best Seats

Guest Ticket Discounts

Flexibility

PBO subscribers are given priority seating before tickets go on sale to the general public.

The sooner you subscribe—the better your seats will be. Full-season subscribers can lock in the same great seats all season long and renew those seats year-after-year when they renew before March 31.

The Best Value

Subscribers save up to 23% off the door price. Not to mention the value of special introductory offers for new subscribers.

Ticket Replacement

As a subscriber, you can pay your subscription price for extra tickets when you invite friends and family to join you at your subscription concert. Order your guest tickets through PBO’s Patron Services department and invite your loved ones to share your experience.

Early Bird Extras

Renewing subscribers earn a host of additional benefits and savings just by renewing their subscriptions before the initial deadline of March 31st! See your renewal package for details!

If you’ve lost your tickets to an upcoming performance, just call Patron Services up to 24 hours before your concert and replacement tickets will be held for you in will-call at your subscription concert.

Questions? Call Patron Services Mon-Fri, 9 am–5 pm at (415) 295-1900

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE PHONE Call Patron Services

Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm at (415) 295-1900.

EMAIL Email your contact information and subscription choices to tickets@philharmonia.org.

ONLINE New subscribers

can sign up securely online at philharmonia.org/subscribe.

If you are a renewing subscriber, go to philharmonia.org/renew.

MAIL Renewing subscribers may mail renewal forms to: Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale Patron Services 414 Mason Street, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94102

New subscribers: use the form on page 37

34 PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE

CHOOSE YOUR OWN PACKAGE PBO’s Choose Your Own Subscription Packages make designing the perfect season as easy as 1-2-3.

1 Choose your venue 2 Choose your package 3 Choose your concerts Choose any 3, 4, 5 or all 6 concerts to suit your schedule or tastes and become a valued member of the PBO family. The more concerts you buy, the bigger the discount. The best savings and seats come with a full 6-concert package. Tickets to special events like Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, or PBO SESSIONS, can be added at additional cost.

1 CHOOSE YOUR VENUE

BOXES

E

E AC

AC RR

RR TE

E

TE

AC

E

2

RR

AC

Stanford, CA 94305

STAGESTAGE

TE

RR

E

Bing Concert Hall 0 Lasuen 1 St. 327

STAGE

TE

AC

RR

STAGE

STAGE STAGE

STAGE

First United Methodist Church (FUMC) 4 6253 Hamilton Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301

DRES

BALCONY BALCONY

BOXES

BOXES

BOXES

STAGE

TE

GE

DRESS CIRCLE

BALCONY BALCONY

BOXES

DRESS CIRCLE

NY

Herbst Theatre 1 Ave. 2 4010Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94102

ST

First Congregational Church 3 Channing 4 2345 Way Berkeley, CA 94704

0

2 CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE & SECTION

D Y BIR EARL ING! PRIC

BEFORE MARCH 31 2019

FULL PACKAGE

CYO-5

CYO-4

CYO-3

All 6 Concerts

Choose Any 5 Concerts

Choose Any 4 Concerts

Choose Any 3 Concerts

Section 0

$642

$540

$437

$333

Section 1

$567

$477

$386

$291

Section 2

$390

$329

$266

$201

Section 3

$273

$230

$186

$141

Section 4

$171

$145

$117

$90

Price Section

BEST VALUE!

AFTER MARCH 31 2019

Section 0

$660

$556

$452

$345

Section 1

$585

$493

$399

$303

Section 2

$402

$341

$277

$210

Section 3

$282

$239

$195

$150

Section 4

$180

$153

$125

$96

3 CHOOSE YOUR CONCERTS ON NEXT PAGE SUBSCRIBE (415) 295-1900 philharmonia.org

35

PENINSULA

SAN

(FUMC and FRANCISCO Bing Concert Hall) Herbst Theatre

BERKELEY (SAT & SUN)

First Congregational Church

A Cosmic Notion

FRI OCT 18 7:30 PM FUMC

THU OCT 17 8 PM

SAT OCT 19 8 PM

SUN OCT 20 4 PM

Mozart’s Musings

WED NOV 13 7:30 PM BING

FRI NOV 15 8 PM

SAT NOV 16 8 PM

SUN NOV 17 4 PM

Handel's Judas Maccabaeus

FRI DEC 6 7:30 PM FUMC

THU DEC 5 7 PM

SAT DEC 7 7 PM

SUN DEC 8 4 PM

The WellCaffeinated Clavier

WED FEB 12 7:30 PM BING

FRI FEB 7 8 PM

SAT FEB 8 8 PM

SUN FEB 9 4 PM

Romantic Reflections

WED MAR 11 7:30 PM BING

FRI MAR 13 8 PM

SAT MAR 14 8 PM

SUN MAR 15 4 PM

FRI APR 17 7 PM

WED APR 15 7 PM

SAT APR 18 7 PM

SUN APR 19 3 PM

Leclair’s Scylla et Glaucus*

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

*All Scylla et Glaucus performances held at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo WED JAN 22 8 PM

FRI JAN 24 8 PM

SAT JAN 25 8 PM

Diane Wilsey Center for Opera, SF

SUN JAN 26 3 PM

WED JAN 29 8 PM

FRI JAN 31 8 PM

SAT FEB 1 8 PM

ODC Theater, San Francisco

A Cup o' Johann Jewish Songlines

THU FEB 6 8 PM

ODC Theater, San Francisco

TUE MAR 10 8 PM

Bing Concert Hall Studio, Stanford

All programming, dates and venues subject to change.

36 PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE

NEW SUBSCRIBER ORDER FORM C

omplete your NEW subscription order and mail it in with payment before March 31, 2019 for the best pricing of the season.

If you are a renewing subscriber, just call Patron Services at (415) 295-1900.

Your subscription is already reserved!

Your Information Full Name: Street Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip Code:

Email:

1) Choose Your Primary VENUE Series (please circle) PENINSULA FUMC and Bing

SAN FRANCISCO Herbst Theatre

BERKELEY SAT. BERKELEY SUN. First Congregational First Congregational Church Church

2) Choose Your PACKAGE (please circle) (see page 35 for package options) All Six Concerts Full

Any 5 Concerts CYO-5

Any 4 Concerts CYO-4

Any 3 Concerts CYO-3

2a) Choose Your Price SECTION (see page 35) ❑ Section 0

❑ Section 1

❑ Section 2

❑ Section 3

❑ Section 4

3) Choose Your CONCERTS (should match package) ❑ A Cosmic Notion ❑ Mozart’s Musings ❑ Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus

#Tickets x $ Cost per subscription

❑ The Well-Caffeinated Clavier ❑ Romantic Reflections ❑ Leclair’s Scylla et Glaucus

= SUBSCRIPTION TOTAL $ Enter this amount on other side and continue to payment

SUBSCRIBE (415) 295-1900 philharmonia.org

37

OPTIONAL ADD-ON PROGRAMS

E

nrich your PBO experience with additional special programs.

Make your selections below and add them to your total.

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (All performances at 8 pm at ODC Theater unless noted) Choose Your Date: ❑ Jan. 24

❑ Jan. 25

❑ Jan. 26*

❑ Jan. 29

❑ Jan. 31

❑ Feb. 1

*Performance @ 3 pm.

Choose Your Price Section:

Premium Reserved:

# Tickets

x $120 = $

Standard:

# Tickets

x $75 = $

PBO SESSIONS

A Cup o’ Johann Thursday, February 6, 2020 @ 8 pm | ODC Theater, San Francisco

Jewish Songlines

# Tickets

x $25 = $

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 @ 8 pm | Bing Concert Hall Studio, Stanford

# Tickets

x $25 = $

Add-on Programs Subtotal

$

+ Subscription Total From Front

$

GRAND TOTAL

PAYMENT

$

❑ Check enclosed, made payable to Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale ❑ Charge my ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ American Express Card Number:

Exp. Date:

Security Code:

Signature:

3-digit code found on the reverse of Visa and MasterCard or the 4-digit code on the front of American Express

Your signature confirms your ticket order

Cut and mail this completed order form to: Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale Atten: Patron Services 414 Mason Street Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94102

38 PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE

Pre-concert Talks

Enrich your concertgoing experience by attending PBO’s Pre-concert Talks 45 minutes prior to each performance. Led by music scholars, visiting conductors, guest artists, and authors, PBO’s Pre-concert Talks are open to all ticket holders and offer informative insights about the concert program.

Single Tickets

Single tickets for the 2019/20 season are offered through City Box Office and go on sale to the general public August 1, 2019. Call City Box Office at (415) 392-4400 or order at cityboxoffice.com. Single tickets to PBO concerts at Bing Concert Hall are available through Stanford Live at (650) 724-BING (2464) or online at live.stanford.edu.

Group Sales

Groups of 10 or more can receive 20% off single ticket prices by calling Philharmonia’s Box Office when tickets go on sale any time after August 1, 2019. Call (415) 252-1288 and ask about Group Sales. (Not available at Bing concerts.)

Friends of Philharmonia

Join Friends of Philharmonia, a passionate group of supporters, who enjoy exclusive events, gifts and benefits. Learn more at philharmonia.org/support.

Contact Us

PBO staff are ready to answer your questions Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Reach us at (415) 252-1288, 414 Mason St, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94102, or email info@philharmonia.org.

Join The Conversation

Sign up for PBO’s informative enews for upcoming performances, special offers, news and more at philharmonia.org/enews.

facebook.com/philharmoniabaroque/ @PhilharmoniaBar @philharmoniabaroqueorchestra

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale gratefully acknowledges generous support from:

Cover photos: Top left (clockwise): Anthony Roth Costanzo & Davóne Tines by Jill Steinberg; Avery Amereau by Matilde Fassò; Nic McGegan by RJ Muna; Nola Richardson by Suzanne Vinnik; Richard Egarr by Marco Borggreve Brochure design by Dennis Bolt

SUBSCRIBE (415) 295-1900 philharmonia.org

39

philharmonia.org/subscribe (415) 295-1900

414 Mason St, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94102

Nonprofit Org.

PAID

U.S. Postage

Permit No. 818

San Francisco, CA