Okay, This is Pretty Cool

Ben Wendel and Joshua Redman recorded this piece at the Maybeck Studio back in December.

Click here for the high-resolution version.

Koto and Shamisen Concert

Join us for a program of Japanese music for koto, bass koto and shamisen.

Program (subject to change):

1) traditional

Manzai

traditional koto and shamisen music 

It was composed by Jonoshiga between 1781~ 1789.

2) 2 kotos and bass koto

Shojoji no Scherzo (2002) 

The scherzo of a Shojo-temple

children's song of Japan, arranged by Shingo Edo.

3) 2 kotos and bass koto

Kagome no Shudai ni yoru koto shijusokyoku (1988) 

the theme of a Kagome song for Kotos

folk song of Japan, arranged by Katsuhiko Yoshizawa

4) Shoko Hikage's solo koto  

Five Pieces on Yoshie Hikage's Poems

composed by Hyo-shin Na

5) Kayo Toki's solo bass koto 

Uminari 

Rumbling of the sea 

composed by Yukiko Ishii

6) "Koto, Piano" by Hyo-shin Na.
Thomas Schultz, piano and Shoko Hikage, koto

Performers:

Shoko Hikage

Tomohiro Tanaka

Kayo Toki

Koto and Shamisen Concert at the Maybeck

Sunday, February 22, 2015, 3:00pm

Suggested Donation: $20 at the door

Seating is limited. Get your required online reservation here.

Jazz Duo Sonic Calligraphy

Welcome the lunar new year with this jazz duo from Switzerland who creates a colorful and lively sonic landscape where old Chinese melodies are heard together with contemporary sounds!

"Music with ethereal beauty, inviting us to fly and dream."

Sonic Calligraphy is a jazz duo from Zurich, Switzerland with New York Chinese American jazz singer Peggy Chew and Swiss pianist Adrian Frey, who present a fascinating cross-cultural blend of music with folk melodies from China, poetry improvisations from the Tang dynasty and beyond, jazz standards, and songs from the pianist sung with the singer’s lyrics.

Since 2001, they have played throughout Switzerland as well as several tours in China, Hong Kong, and the US. They have released two CDs “Sonic Calligraphy” and “Sonic Calligraphy, The Flow of Things.” Festival appearances include: JZ Shanghai Music Festival, Culturescapes Festival , Leung Ping-Kwan Poetry Retrospective in Hong Kong, and the Altrisuoni Jazz Festival.

Sonic Calligraphy at the Maybeck
Sunday, February 15, 2015, 3:00pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door
Seating is limited. Get your required online reservation here.

The Cypress String Quartet Salon Series

The acclaimed Cypress String Quartet explores three pairings of early and middle Beethoven String Quartets in a series of performances at the Maybeck Studio.

In February, the Cypress revisits a CSQ commission by Jeffery Cotton entitled Serenade. Cotton, who died in 2013, wrote this evening-inspired work about a fantasy world for the Cypress in 2011 as part of its ongoing Call & Response program. Paired with the Cotton Serenade are Beethoven’s dark and brooding Op. 18, No. 4 and his wonderfully optimistic Op. 59, No. 1.

The Cypress String Quartet Salon Series at the Maybeck
Friday, February 13, 2014, 8:00pm
Tickets: $50.
This performance is sold out.

Miro Sprague/Josh Johnson Jazz Duo

Join us for an afternoon of improvisational wizardry from jazz phenoms Miro Sprague and Josh Johnson.

Miro Sprague is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his dynamic performance style and inspiring creativity. A recent graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Miro has toured the United States, Europe, and Japan and has performed with Wayne Shorter, Greg Osby, Jerry Bergonzi, Matt Wilson, Reggie Workman, Sheila Jordan, among others. He is a member of the jazz collective Holophonor and leads his own quintet and trio. His most recent recording is “Blue Dreaming,” his fourth studio recording. Miro is currently based in Los Angeles, where he is active as a performer and educator.

Saxophonist Josh Johnson was born in Maryland and grew up near Chicago. An alumni of the 2012-2014 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, he holds degrees from Indiana University and UCLA. He is one of the co-founders of the genre-defying ensemble, Snaarj, whose latest release “Levels” was described as “a substantial work full of deep textures, deft musicianship and expertly crafted compositions” (Kyle Long, NUVO). Josh has performed with Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, and Terri Lyne Carrington, among others. Currently based in Los Angeles, Josh is a co-leader of the fearless collective Holophonor, who recently released their self-titled debut.

Miro Sprague/Josh Johnson Jazz Duo at the Maybeck
Sunday, February 8, 2015, 3:00pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door.
Seating is limited. Get your REQUIRED online reservation here.

Benefit Brunch Concert for the 30th Jewish Music Festival

Benefit Brunch Concert for

the 30th Jewish Music Festival

Sunday, February 8th, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Maybeck Studio for the Performing Arts

1537 Euclid Ave., North Berkeley

Sneak preview of Grammy-winning bassoonist Paul Hanson’s new JMF commission Homecoming, with Grammy-nominated guitarist John Schott, and bassist Jeff Denson. Come for a schmooze, shmear, and chance to hear stunning sounds in a perfect space.

Suggested donation of $40-60
Tickets: www.jewishmusicfestival.org or 800-838-3006
Get your tickets now!
Intimate venue -seating is limited. 

For more information: 510-848-0237

The Cypress String Quartet Salon Series

The acclaimed Cypress String Quartet explores three pairings of early and middle Beethoven String Quartets in a series of performances at the Maybeck Studio.

In February, the Cypress revisits a CSQ commission by Jeffery Cotton entitled Serenade. Cotton, who died in 2013, wrote this evening-inspired work about a fantasy world for the Cypress in 2011 as part of its ongoing Call & Response program. Paired with the Cotton Serenade are Beethoven’s dark and brooding Op. 18, No. 4 and his wonderfully optimistic Op. 59, No. 1.

The Cypress String Quartet Salon Series at the Maybeck
Friday, February 6, 2014, 8:00pm
This performance is sold out. The same program will be performed on February 13.

SFFCM Musicale with the Telegraph Quartet

Join us for a fundraiser for San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music featuring the Telegraph Quartet.

Enjoy an afternoon of wine, music, and fine cuisine in this beautiful and acoustically glorious space where audiences have heard concerts for nearly 100 years.

Program: 

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Three Divertimenti (1936)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Quartet No. 8 in E Minor, Op. 59, No. 2 (1806)

The Telegraph Quartet won first prize at the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 2014. Telegraph Quartet members Eric Chin (violin), Joseph Maile (violin), Pei-Ling Lin (viola), and Jeremiah Shaw (cello) are all from San Francisco, California.

SFFCM Fundraiser featuring the Telegraph Quartet
Sunday, February 1, 2015, 3:00pm
Minimum donation: $125
Buy tickets here.