The season closes with Bach’s moving and magnificent Mass in B minor, a sublime choral experience with orchestra, chorus. The Mass in B minor shows Bach at the height of his powers, expressing the grandeur of heartfelt spiritual expression as no one else has ever been able to do. Nothing can compare to the glory of a great chorus and orchestra to soothe the soul and comfort the weary along the mysterious journey of life. Ticket includes 6:30 PM pre-concert…
Learn more and get tickets »This is the annual, much anticipated recital by the outrageously excellent young string players from the festival’s Emerging Artists Program.
Learn more and get tickets »After the renunciation of his “immortal beloved,” in social withdrawal and complete deafness, Beethoven forged a final style.
Join Susan Waterfall and an array of exceptional Festival musicians for five days of lectures and narrated concerts exploring the life and music of Beethoven, the most influential and consistently popular composer in Western music. For this concert she is joined by Brian Thorsett, Miles Graber, Tammie Dyar, Tingting Gu, Alexander Volonts, and Burke Schuchmann.
Learn more and get tickets »Violin virtuoso David McCarroll returns to dazzle Festival audiences with his rapturous, yet tender, interpretation of Beethoven’s great Violin Concerto. The Festival Orchestra also performs Beethoven’s majestic Eroica Symphony, full of drama and pathos. Two defining symphonic masterpieces from Beethoven’s Heroic Period, and a soloist of international repute.
Join Susan Waterfall and an array of exceptional Festival musicians for five days of lectures and narrated concerts exploring the life and music of Beethoven, the most influential and consistently popular composer in Western music.
Learn more and get tickets »Accepting his deafness and physical infirmities, Beethoven vows to “seize Fate by the throat” and pursue his artistic goals.
Join Susan Waterfall and an array of exceptional Festival musicians for five days of lectures and narrated concerts exploring the life and music of Beethoven, the most influential and consistently popular composer in Western music. For this concert Waterfall is joined by Keisuke Nakagoshi, Alex Boyer, Angela Moser, and Carolyn Steinbuck.
Learn more and get tickets »Arriving in Vienna from Bonn, the socially awkward Beethoven strives to attain the stature of Haydn and Mozart, mastering all genres before his hearing loss becomes pronounced.
Join Susan Waterfall and an array of exceptional Festival musicians for five days of lectures and narrated concerts exploring the life and music of Beethoven, the most influential and consistently popular composer in Western music. For this concert Waterfall is joined by Eric Kritz, Burke Schuchmann, David McCarroll, Miles Graber, and the Festival Chamber Players.
Learn more and get tickets »A witty and penetrating multi media lecture by Susan Waterfall, providing an overview of Beethoven’s life, music, family, friends, patrons, fellow musicians, Napoleon, the Viennese cultural milieu, and the ongoing controversy about the immortal beloved.
Join Susan Waterfall and an array of exceptional Festival musicians for five days of lectures and narrated concerts exploring the life and music of Beethoven, the most influential and consistently popular composer in Western music.
Learn more and get tickets »Praised for his interpretive vision and power, Atzinger’s program includes his signature performance of the monumental Barber Sonata. Mozart Piano Sonata No. 17 in B flat Major, K. 570; Brahms Sechs Klavierstücke, Op. 118; Pierre Jalbert Toccata; Chopin Fantasie in F minor, Op. 49; Barber Sonata for Piano, Op. 26.
Learn more and get tickets »Mozart’s first operatic masterpiece, comic but passionate, written in the fervor of love for his soon-to-be wife, Konstanze. Full of spectacular arias and charming “Turkish” orchestral effects. Our scene opens with Mozart, age 25, living in Vienna, newly released from bondage to the Archbishop of Salzburg, and perhaps best of all, living in Madam Weber’s household, where her daughter, Konstanze, peers speculatively at this young and famous musician. How best to make his name in Vienna, home to the Prussian…
Learn more and get tickets »Enjoy the fascinating programming and gorgeous pianism of this charming young pianist from Georgia. In addition to Haydn and Brahms, you will hear a rarely heard work by Lili Boulanger, sister of the great French pedagogue, Nadia Boulanger, who was a major figure in twentieth century music. Both women studied with Faure before Lili’s early death in 1918. The Helps “Portrait” will be a touching reminder of Robert Helps’ own appearance in the Festival Piano Series in 1997. A significant …
Learn more and get tickets »Returning for a fourth year of insightful and moving playing, the internationally acclaimed Calder Quartet will perform the Debussy String Quartet; Anders Hillborg Kongsgaard Variations; and Beethoven Op. 59 No. 2. The Calder Quartet always plays impeccably, with passionate engagement. The Debussy quartet is a sparkling, effervescent work. Beethoven’s eighth quartet, often called the Second Razumovsky Quartet, is a delightful romp, showing the dramatic but playful side of the great genius.
Learn more and get tickets »Montage: Great Film Composers and the Piano The six film composers represented on this program have among them amassed 73 Oscar nominations and eight wins. “But,” ponders the introductory essay to Gloria Cheng’s recent CD, “what melodies, harmonies, what cadences haunt their private dreams?” Hear selections from pieces written expressly for her by John Williams (Star Wars, Jaws, E.T.), Bruce Broughton (Silverado, Young Sherlock Holmes), Don Davis (The Matrix, Beauty and the Beast), Michael Giacchino (Up, Lost, Ratatouille) and Randy…
Learn more and get tickets »Tonight we celebrate instrumental masters: Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. There will be energy and passion in the tent, opening with the final movement of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony—an Allegro with great Brio. Then brilliant pianist Stephen Prutsman plays Beethoven’s 3rd piano concerto, a work immediately familiar and joyful, “turning the concert stage into a platform for the emotions…” And to send you into the fog humming and singing, Tchaikovsky’s combustible Fifth Symphony, so uplifting and so fiery that during the Second World…
Learn more and get tickets »The rapturous music of J. S. Bach opens the 2016 Festival with all six of the rarely heard sonatas for violin and piano. Described as the “Jon Stewart of chamber music,” violin virtuoso Geoff Nuttall redefines what a chamber concert can be, with his creative daring and flair for entertaining. Nuttall is known for his ability to juxtapose the ridiculous with the sublime and is first violinist of the St. Lawrence String Quartet. In partnership with audience favorite, world-renowned pianist…
Learn more and get tickets »Increase your musical pleasure by learning to listen to musical form! If you know what the form is going to be, you will have a good chance of following it as the piece unfolds. Susan Waterfall and Allan Pollack will help you to understand the features of sonata, rondo, and variation form with diagrams, audio examples and definitions of terms like tonality, modulation, and counterpoint.
In July, join Susan Waterfall and an array of exceptional Festival musicians for five days of lectures and narrated concerts exploring the life and music of Beethoven, the most influential and consistently popular composer in Western music.
Learn more and get tickets »Two monumental works of the classical repertoire will be featured at the final concert of the season. Pianist Spencer Myer will play the lovely Piano Concerto No. 21 of Mozart, featuring the “Elvira Madigan” theme used in that movie. One of the most important American artists of his generation, Spencer Myer has garnered stellar audience and critical acclaim from around the globe, rapidly establishing a significant and continuously expanding career. The Brahms Requiem will conclude the Festival with a grand…
Learn more and get tickets »Audience favorite pianist Miles Graber will bring two of his friends, violinist Jeremy Preston and cellist Robert Howard, to join him for a sublime concert of delicious chamber music. The Beethoven Archduke Trio is warm and wonderful; the Shostakovich trio is both ethereal and boisterous fun.
Learn more and get tickets »This is a recital by the outrageously excellent young players from the Festival’s Emerging Artists program. This program is limited to serious musicians between the ages of 18 and 26. It includes coaching in an intensive 2½ weeks of chamber music as well as participation in the Festival Orchestra in the company of professional musicians from the Bay Area, local artists, and soloists of national and international renown.
Learn more and get tickets »This concert, the fourth in the Mozart in Mendocino series, contains some of the greatest music ever written, including the Overture from Abduction from the Seraglio K. 384, and Mozart’s last symphony, the Jupiter K. 551. Frederica von Stade will sing her favorite arias from Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi fan tutte, joined by Melissa Angulo, soprano and Jeremiah Smith, bass-baritone. Mozart fans will not want to miss this opportunity to hear the music of Mozart presented with…
Learn more and get tickets »Spencer Myer’s devoted fans will hear a radiant, diverse concert of Mozart Sonata K. 283, the Schumann Fantasie, the Ravel Sonatine, Chopin’s Polonaise-fantaisie, Op. 61, and three Bolcom Rags. Come enjoy this afternoon salon, which will be a rare chance to interact with and learn from this engaging and articulate artist.
Learn more and get tickets »Featuring the Festival Chamber Players Many of Mozart’s chamber works were composed for aristocratic salons or outdoor entertainment. The Festival Chamber Players will perform two of Mozart’s most serious and introspective masterpieces for these settings. Wind octets usually were light outdoor music for royal parties, but in K. 388 Mozart used the instrumental combination to explore the pathos and drama of the key of C minor. The G minor Viola Quintet (K. 516) was written at the time of Mozart’s…
Learn more and get tickets »Some of Mozart’s most charming and self-revelatory works were written for intimate gatherings with friends and family. Learn about the four fascinating musical families who inspired him: the Mozarts, the Cannabiches, the Webers, and the Jacquins. This concert features the poetic and luminous “Kegelstatt” Trio (K. 498), written for clarinet, viola, and piano, while Mozart was lawn bowling. It includes piano sonatas K. 309 in C Major and K. 310 in A minor; the Sonata for Piano Four Hands K.…
Learn more and get tickets »Two multi-media lectures, a Punch tasting, and music, both ribald and ravishing.
Learn more and get tickets »This promises to be a magical production of one of the funniest operas of all times. Rossini at his rollicking best! The opera will be fully staged with costumes and supertitles. It is a story of love and deception in the intricacies of human interaction, all resolving happily in the end. With the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Allan Pollack.
Learn more and get tickets »Acclaimed worldwide for her “dazzling technique and deeply probing musicality,” Ching-Yun Hu has won many international competitions and has performed on tour with the Israel Philharmonic. This is a great opportunity to hear a rising new star at the beginning of her career.
Learn more and get tickets »The “intellectually, emotionally and musically rich” (Star Tribune) nine-member men’s vocal ensemble, Cantus is known internationally for its trademark warmth and engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Hailing from Minneapolis-St. Paul and acclaimed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States” (Fanfare), Cantus performs more than 60 concerts annually nationally and internationally and has released 17 albums on its own self-titled label. The group is renowned for adventurous programming spanning many periods…
Learn more and get tickets »Paul Hersh returns with his violinist son Stefan. They’ll play Op. 30, No. 3, an effervescent piece from Beethoven’s middle years. Paul Hersh will also perform the delicate sonata Op. 109, one of Beethoven’s final compositions. Come hear Beethoven chamber music as it was meant to be played, in a small, intimate setting with friends and (especially in this case) family.
Learn more and get tickets »The Calder Quartet, called “outstanding” and “superb” by the New York Times, performs a broad range of repertoire at an exceptional level, always striving to channel and fulfill the composer’s vision. Already the choice of many leading composers to perform their works – including Christopher Rouse, Terry Riley and Thomas Adès – the group’s distinctive approach is exemplified by a musical curiosity brought to everything they perform, whether it’s Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, or sold-out rock shows with bands like The…
Learn more and get tickets »The final orchestral concert of great choral works by Haydn and Bach will provide a fitting climax to the Festival. Handel’s Royal Fireworks for orchestra alone will precede Bach’s Cantata #51 and Haydn’s Creation, sung by large choir and soloists. There is nothing as inspirational as hearing a powerful choir giving heartfelt voice to these sacred texts. A concert to warm the hearts and uplift and soothe the spirits of the entire audience.
Learn more and get tickets »Two of the most brilliantly talented pianist/composers from the New York scene team up to play the driving, rhythmic music of Adams, Reich, and their own compositions, as well as creative arrangements of popular contemporary songs. The eclectic program was drawn together by the performers’ love of great music, regardless of genre, and their interest in the immense sound that two pianos are capable of producing together. Julian Waterfall Pollack: ”…a ferociously assured and creatively dazzling pianist, composer, and arranger…”…
Learn more and get tickets »This is a recital by the outrageously excellent young string players from the Emerging Artists program. The Emerging Artists have won scholarships to receive intensive training at the Festival, and an opportunity to perform with established professionals in orchestral and chamber concerts. Don’t miss this recital. These are tomorrow’s renowned musicians at the outset of their careers. The Emerging Artists Program began in 1991, the Mendocino Music Festival’s fifth season, when the Young Musicians Scholarship Program was inaugurated to nurture…
Learn more and get tickets »The concert will consist of the Mozart Quintet in E flat Major for Piano and Winds K.452, and the Schumann Quintet in E flat Major for Piano and Strings, played by the world-class Festival Orchestra’s principal players, joined by pianists Miles Graber and Carolyn Steinbuck. Mozart wrote his only piano quintet at the height of his powers, when he was 28 years old. He had never before attempted a piece for such a combination of instruments: bassoon, clarinet, horn and…
Learn more and get tickets »Join us in a celebration of romance as you listen to the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by Jean Sibelius and Symphony #2 of Rachmaninoff, both thrilling, monumental works. Julian Waterfall Pollack will premier his evocative Night Flower. Violinist David McCarroll grew up at a remote mountaintop monastery in the nearby town of Annapolis, and has become an international soloist on the summer festival circuit, including Ravinia and Marlboro. He will perform the soulful violin concerto of Jean Sibelius. The…
Learn more and get tickets »The wonder of an art song is that it tells a story, defines its characters and makes an emotional connection in just a few brief minutes. In this recital, with pianist Miles Graber, von Stade will sing songs by Ned Rorem, Louis Guy, Jake Heggie, Maurice Ravel, Virgil Thompson, Aaron Copland, Gustav Mahler, and Steven Sondheim and others. “Even if she were not one of the great singers of our day, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade could probably draw a full…
Learn more and get tickets »Benjamin Jacobson, violin Andrew Bulbrook, violin Jonathan Moerschel, viola Eric Byers, cello. Called “outstanding” and “superb” by the New York Times, the Calder Quartet defies boundaries through performing a broad range of repertoire at an exceptional level, always striving to channel the true intention of the work’s creator. The quartet will play Thomas Adès Arcadiana, Leoš Janáček String Quartet No. 2 “Intimate Letters”, and Franz Schubert String Quartet No.14 in D minor, D. 810 “Death and the Maiden.” “Whether you’re…
Learn more and get tickets »Mozart’s Don Giovanni is one of the most important operas of all time, and is an audience favorite for good reasons. An extremely dramatic work, full of intrigue, spooky ghosts, beautiful damsels, and revenge, it’s based on the fictional legends of the notorious seducer, Don Juan, who carelessly abuses everyone in his life, until he meets his match. This fully staged production will no doubt have its own local flavor. International stars will make you forget that you are in a tent…
Learn more and get tickets »The Piano Series regulars always welcome Paul Hersh’s lecture recitals. This season Hersh will bring his son, violinist Stefan Hersh, to explore Beethoven’s last violin and piano sonatas.
Learn more and get tickets »Pianist Robert Schwartz is returning to the Festival to play Mozart Sonata in Bb Major K. 570, Mendelssohn Songs Without Words (Selected) and Brahms Sonata in F Minor Op. 5. Schwartz is an active performer and teacher, with international credits. He is often soloist with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra and has a new CD coming out of the piano music of Debussy, Franck, and Poulenc.
Learn more and get tickets »Susan Waterfall will describe the history and significance of Bach’s Musical Offering. Fascinating canons and the Trio Sonata from that work will be performed by Waterfall, with Jeremy Cohen, violin; Mindy Rosenfeld, flute; Burke Schuchmann, cello. On the second half of the program, the brilliant Bach interpreter Stephen Prutsman will play and conduct the Festival Chamber Players in Bach’s Clavier Concerto in D minor.
Learn more and get tickets »Bach’s keyboard works are often played, but there are not so many opportunities to hear the wonderful suites for other instruments, and even more rare, to hear them in the lovely setting and gorgeous acoustics of the sanctuary of the Mendocino Presbyterian Church. Jeremy Cohen will perform the much-beloved Partita for Violin in D minor, including the famous Chaconne. Mindy Rosenfeld will play selections from the Partita for Flute in A minor and Burke Schuchmann will present the Suite for…
Learn more and get tickets »Pianists Susan Waterfall and Carolyn Steinbuck will consider Bach’s role as father and teacher, and will explore the international influences on his music. The concert consists of the Two-Part Inventions, the Italian Concerto, the C minor Partita, and the 6-Voiced Ricercare from the “Musical Offering.”
Learn more and get tickets »J. S. Bach enjoyed life enormously, and this certainly included beer drinking. He was often paid in beer. Find out more interesting and seldom considered facts in a multi-media lecture with historian Bob Winn, noted beer authority Jay R. Brooks, and scholar/pianist Susan Waterfall, covering life in early 18th century Germany, an overview of Bach’s life, and beer making in Bach’s time. Beer tasting and Quodlibets! Anchor Brewing’s Bock Beer comes closest to resembling the beer of Bach’s time. It’s brewed…
Learn more and get tickets »Audience favorite Stephen Prutsman will play the Mozart Piano Concerto in C minor in the opening Festival concert. “Conga” by Marquez will have you dancing in your seats. Conductor/composer Allan Pollack will present his piece “A Summer Evening at the Boonville Fair,” that musically evokes the many festive aspects of the annual county fair. A fun, upbeat concert that everyone will enjoy. “Pianist Stephen Prutsman has won major classical music competitions, he’s written arrangements for string quartets and pop stars…
Learn more and get tickets »An elegant preview of the Mendocino Music Festival’s July Bachfest will be presented at the historic Berkeley City Club, an architectural masterpiece by Julia Morgan. Susan Waterfall, Jeremy Cohen, Mindy Rosenfeld, and Burke Schuchmann will perform highlights including the Musical Offering, D Minor Violin Chaconne, the Italian Concerto, and selections from suites and sonatas. No host bar.
Learn more and get tickets »The Festival Orchestra, Chorus, and soloists join forces for a powerfully inspirational program of music based on traditional biblical themes.
Learn more and get tickets »Friday, July 26, 4:00pm
Preston Hall
Recital by participants in the Emerging Artists Scholarship Program.
Learn more and get tickets »Thursday July 25 3:00 PM Preston Hall Schwab plays “gorgeously spare piano” (The Boston Globe) yet “sounds as if she has an orchestra at her fingertips” (Sing Out). She was chosen by Ken Burns to play for numerous public television documentaries, including the Grammy award-winning Civil War and the Emmy award-winning Baseball.
Learn more and get tickets »Called “outstanding” and “superb” by the New York Times, the Calder Quartet defies boundaries through performing a broad range of repertoire at an exceptional level, always striving to channel the true intention of the work’s creator. Grammy-winning pianist Gloria Cheng has won widespread acclaim as a discerning artist whose recitals and recordings explore and reveal significant interconnections between composers. String Quartet No. 1 in A minor Béla Bartók (1881-1945) Lento Allegretto Allegro vivace Quintet for Piano and Strings Alfred Schnittke…
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