Our holiday season has been merry, especially since we have been receiving good news every week.
1. CMA/ASCAP First Prize for Adventurous Programming
2. Argosy Foundation Grant Awarded
3. Welcome Patrick Flaherty
4. Happy Holidays
1. *** CMA/ASCAP First Prize for Adventurous Programming ***
CMA/ASCAP awarded Del Sol First Prize for Adventurous Programming, Ensemble-Mixed Repertory. Thanks to the generous support from our fans that enables us to concentrate on producing quality new music,this is the second time in three seasons that Del Sol has won this top, national award. Given annually, the award recognizes ensembles, presenters and festivals that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to 20th- and 21st-century music, especially works written in the past 25 years. In addition to considering originality, the independent panel of judges looked for innovative presentation and audience-development strategies. The prizes will be given out at the Chamber Music America National Conference in New York City on January 5, 2008, which will be CMA’s 30th Anniversary. The awards are given jointly by Chamber Music America and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).
2. *** Argosy Foundation Grant Awarded ***
The Argosy Foundation’s Contemporary Music Fund has awarded DSPAO a generous grant of $12,000 for our Pacific Rim project (CD recording and May 2008 concerts). We will be working closely with our recording engineer during the next few months to edit the raw material we recorded at Skywalker Studios this past fall in time for a May 2008 release of the new CD. Donors have been critical for this project; contributors of $1,000 or more by February 2008 will be recognized as a sponsor in the CD liner notes.
3. *** Welcome Patrick Flaherty ***
This month DSPAO welcomed Patrick Flaherty to our board of directors. Mr. Flaherty is a 30 year broadcasting veteran with producing experience at the national and local level. Most recently he produced KQED TV’s “Spark,” the award winning local PBS program about arts and culture in the Bay Area. Last year he produced the Del Sol String Quartet story for “Spark,” first aired in April 2007 and rebroadcast this past October. Mr. Flaherty has a long standing commitment to the arts.
4. *** Happy Holidays ***
As the year draws to an end, we want to pause and thank you for your interest in and support of our work. We are thrilled to have such an educated, generous and excited public that inspires us to continue our vision to move new music forward. Thank you so much for your financial support that has been crucial to our success!
May the special gifts of health, peace, and happiness be yours throughout the upcoming year.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
We’re “Coming Together” with clarinet and didjeridu this November!
Contents:
1. “Coming Together” concert, Nov. 30
2. Zellerbach and Hewlett Community Arts grant awarded
3. Follow-up (LOC, Skywalker Ranch, QuartetFest)
1. “Coming Together” Concert, Friday, 11/30/07, Old First Church in SF, 8pm
In collaboration with clarinetist Jeff Anderle and didjeridu player Stephen Kent, we’re bringing you another one-of-a-kind concert program entitled “Coming Together.” The six musicians, assembled into duet, quintet, and even sextet, will perform four memorable pieces from around the world.
Cellist Hannah Addario-Berry and clarinetist Jeff Anderle will kick off the concert with a passionate duet called "Coming Together," by Derek Bermel (b. 1967, New York). Bermel truly captures qualities of the human voice. The two instruments can be heard moaning, laughing, flirting, and even screaming. It is an unforgettable work that will stimulate the imagination!
Didjeridu player Stephen Kent and the quartet will perform “Quartet No. 16” written by Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe, who was inspired by letters from Afghan refugees in Australian detention centers.
In the third piece “The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind”, Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov fuses elements from the klezmer tradition with some of the more classical string quartet forms. The music is at times meditative, passionate, driving and haunting. Clarinetist Jeff Anderle will join Del Sol on an array of clarinets.
Lastly, all six musicians take a break from their usual instruments and instead use Mexican hand drums, stick drums, maracas, and claves. With clapping, stomping, and whispering they tackle an impressive and challenging piece by Mexican Arturo Salinas.
This program is co-presented by Old First Concerts in SF and also will be co-presented by Berkeley Chamber Performances in the East Bay on January 29, 2008.
More info.
2. Zellerbach and Hewlett Community Arts Grant Awarded
We think the program is exciting, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation did, too! They awarded us a combined $4,000 through Zellerbach’s Community Arts Program for the “Coming Together” concerts in November and January.
3. Follow-up
We were busy this time last year, but we’ve been even busier this year!
The audience of over 300 at the Oct. 19th Library of Congress concert greeted enthusiastically the world premiere of Chinary Ung’s new work, “Spiral X: In Memoriam,” dedicated to the millions of Cambodians killed by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and gave a standing ovation at the end of the Peter Sculthorpe’s “Quartet Number 16” which concluded the program. We were thrilled that Stephen Kent was able to come out to Washington with three of his beautiful didjeridus in tow to join us for this performance. For those who are interested in which Stradivarius instruments from the Library’s collection the Quartet used for this concert, Kate played the "Betts" violin (1704), Rick the "Castelbarco" violin(1699), Charlton the "Cassavetti" viola (1727), and Hannah the "Castelbarco" cello (1697). (You may be interested in Stephen Kent's blog entry about this concert.)
Right after returning from DC we spent a week at the marvelous studios of Skywalker Ranch recording our upcoming Pacific Rim CD. There is something particularly unglamorous and grueling about recording. Our audience of silent yet critical microphones captured every moment for posterity (and subsequent editing by our recording engineer), and we raced against the clock to make every moment count – tackling the music phrase by phrase. As Rick put it, “by the end of each day we were pretty much toast.” You’ll be able to hear the result of all this hard work when we release the new CD, “Ring of Fire,” next May.
We went right from the recording week into our Fall QuartetFest intensive coaching workshop held at the Children’s Day School in San Francisco’s Mission District during the weekend of November 3-4. We coached 16 young string players, ages 8 to 18 assembled into four quartets, concluding with a recital (of works by Pleyel, Mozart, Beethoven, and Ravel) and potluck supper for participants, their parents, and supporters. We are especially grateful to our generous, long-time donors Sara and John Hendrickson, as well as the AMCP Foundation, for making QuartetFest possible.
1. “Coming Together” concert, Nov. 30
2. Zellerbach and Hewlett Community Arts grant awarded
3. Follow-up (LOC, Skywalker Ranch, QuartetFest)
1. “Coming Together” Concert, Friday, 11/30/07, Old First Church in SF, 8pm
In collaboration with clarinetist Jeff Anderle and didjeridu player Stephen Kent, we’re bringing you another one-of-a-kind concert program entitled “Coming Together.” The six musicians, assembled into duet, quintet, and even sextet, will perform four memorable pieces from around the world.
Cellist Hannah Addario-Berry and clarinetist Jeff Anderle will kick off the concert with a passionate duet called "Coming Together," by Derek Bermel (b. 1967, New York). Bermel truly captures qualities of the human voice. The two instruments can be heard moaning, laughing, flirting, and even screaming. It is an unforgettable work that will stimulate the imagination!
Didjeridu player Stephen Kent and the quartet will perform “Quartet No. 16” written by Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe, who was inspired by letters from Afghan refugees in Australian detention centers.
In the third piece “The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind”, Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov fuses elements from the klezmer tradition with some of the more classical string quartet forms. The music is at times meditative, passionate, driving and haunting. Clarinetist Jeff Anderle will join Del Sol on an array of clarinets.
Lastly, all six musicians take a break from their usual instruments and instead use Mexican hand drums, stick drums, maracas, and claves. With clapping, stomping, and whispering they tackle an impressive and challenging piece by Mexican Arturo Salinas.
This program is co-presented by Old First Concerts in SF and also will be co-presented by Berkeley Chamber Performances in the East Bay on January 29, 2008.
More info.
2. Zellerbach and Hewlett Community Arts Grant Awarded
We think the program is exciting, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation did, too! They awarded us a combined $4,000 through Zellerbach’s Community Arts Program for the “Coming Together” concerts in November and January.
3. Follow-up
We were busy this time last year, but we’ve been even busier this year!
The audience of over 300 at the Oct. 19th Library of Congress concert greeted enthusiastically the world premiere of Chinary Ung’s new work, “Spiral X: In Memoriam,” dedicated to the millions of Cambodians killed by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and gave a standing ovation at the end of the Peter Sculthorpe’s “Quartet Number 16” which concluded the program. We were thrilled that Stephen Kent was able to come out to Washington with three of his beautiful didjeridus in tow to join us for this performance. For those who are interested in which Stradivarius instruments from the Library’s collection the Quartet used for this concert, Kate played the "Betts" violin (1704), Rick the "Castelbarco" violin(1699), Charlton the "Cassavetti" viola (1727), and Hannah the "Castelbarco" cello (1697). (You may be interested in Stephen Kent's blog entry about this concert.)
Right after returning from DC we spent a week at the marvelous studios of Skywalker Ranch recording our upcoming Pacific Rim CD. There is something particularly unglamorous and grueling about recording. Our audience of silent yet critical microphones captured every moment for posterity (and subsequent editing by our recording engineer), and we raced against the clock to make every moment count – tackling the music phrase by phrase. As Rick put it, “by the end of each day we were pretty much toast.” You’ll be able to hear the result of all this hard work when we release the new CD, “Ring of Fire,” next May.
We went right from the recording week into our Fall QuartetFest intensive coaching workshop held at the Children’s Day School in San Francisco’s Mission District during the weekend of November 3-4. We coached 16 young string players, ages 8 to 18 assembled into four quartets, concluding with a recital (of works by Pleyel, Mozart, Beethoven, and Ravel) and potluck supper for participants, their parents, and supporters. We are especially grateful to our generous, long-time donors Sara and John Hendrickson, as well as the AMCP Foundation, for making QuartetFest possible.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Our 2007-2008 Season Kicks Off with Prestige & Publicity
Contents:
1. Library of Congress “Ring of Fire” Concert, 10/19/07
2. Free Noontime Concert, Thursday, 10/11/07
3. On TV Again!
4. Fall QuartetFest
5. More Good News About Grants
6. Future Bookings
1. Library of Congress “Ring of Fire” Concert, 10/19/07
We are honored to kick off our 2007-2008 season with a world premiere concert at the Library of Congress, which is “the de facto national library of the United States and one of the most important libraries in the world.” The venue for our concert, the Coolidge Auditorium, is renowned for the caliber of the artists who have performed there, and for premieres of newly commissioned works.
The work being premiered, entitled “Spiral X: In Memorium,” was written for Del Sol by Cambodian-American composer Chinary Ung under a commission from the Koussevitsky Foundation. The piece, which includes vocalization by the musicians, has eight parts. Yes, eight ; one for each instrument and one for each musician’s voice. For this performance we will play on rare, 17-18th century, Italian stringed instruments from the Library’s collection. If you can’t make it to DC for this historic event, you can hear the next live performance at our Spring Home Season concert in May 2008.
For more info go to http://delsolquartet.com/concert.html.
Later this fall we’ll be recording this piece and works by other contemporary Pacific Rim composers such as Hyo-Shin Na, Kui Dong, and Jack Body. This CD will be released in 2008. Donors who contribute over $1,000 to our nonprofit Del Sol Performing Arts Organization before February will be listed as sponsors of this Pacific Rim recording in the CD liner notes.
2. Free Noontime Concert, Thursday, 10/11/07, 12:00 PM
Del Sol will perform as part of the UCSF Chancellor’s Concert Series at Cole Hall, UCSF Medical School, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco.
For more info go to http://delsolquartet.com/concert.html.
3. On TV Again!
The SPARK episode featuring Del Sol, first broadcast in April, will be shown again on Wed., Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., and will repeat on Sun., Oct. 21, at 6:30 a.m. on KQED-TV Channel 9. The rerun also can be seen in the South Bay on KTEH-TV 54 and KCAH-TV 25 check www.kteh.org for details.
4. Fall QuartetFest
Once again, we’re holding our QuartetFest, a unique weekend (Nov. 3 & 4) for young string players. Four student string quartets receive coaching and perform both masterworks from the quartet literature and accessible modern works.
5. More Good News About Grants
The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation has awarded our nonprofit Del Sol Performing Arts Organization (DSPAO) a first-time grant of $15,000 for our Pacific Rim project (the CD recording this fall and the concert in May 2008). This institutional backing goes far but doesn’t meet all of our expenses. We’re still looking for more individual donors to support this important recording project. Other good grant news came from the Amphion Foundation, which has awarded the DSPAO $4000, an increase of 50% over their grant to us last year.
6. Future Bookings
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve engaged Serious Music Media to help us with bookings and publicity. They have been making headway with prestigious presenters as far out as 2010, with suggestions for exciting programs, some involving collaborations with other artists and art forms.
1. Library of Congress “Ring of Fire” Concert, 10/19/07
2. Free Noontime Concert, Thursday, 10/11/07
3. On TV Again!
4. Fall QuartetFest
5. More Good News About Grants
6. Future Bookings
1. Library of Congress “Ring of Fire” Concert, 10/19/07
We are honored to kick off our 2007-2008 season with a world premiere concert at the Library of Congress, which is “the de facto national library of the United States and one of the most important libraries in the world.” The venue for our concert, the Coolidge Auditorium, is renowned for the caliber of the artists who have performed there, and for premieres of newly commissioned works.
The work being premiered, entitled “Spiral X: In Memorium,” was written for Del Sol by Cambodian-American composer Chinary Ung under a commission from the Koussevitsky Foundation. The piece, which includes vocalization by the musicians, has eight parts. Yes, eight ; one for each instrument and one for each musician’s voice. For this performance we will play on rare, 17-18th century, Italian stringed instruments from the Library’s collection. If you can’t make it to DC for this historic event, you can hear the next live performance at our Spring Home Season concert in May 2008.For more info go to http://delsolquartet.com/concert.html.
Later this fall we’ll be recording this piece and works by other contemporary Pacific Rim composers such as Hyo-Shin Na, Kui Dong, and Jack Body. This CD will be released in 2008. Donors who contribute over $1,000 to our nonprofit Del Sol Performing Arts Organization before February will be listed as sponsors of this Pacific Rim recording in the CD liner notes.
2. Free Noontime Concert, Thursday, 10/11/07, 12:00 PM
Del Sol will perform as part of the UCSF Chancellor’s Concert Series at Cole Hall, UCSF Medical School, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco.
For more info go to http://delsolquartet.com/concert.html.
3. On TV Again!
The SPARK episode featuring Del Sol, first broadcast in April, will be shown again on Wed., Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., and will repeat on Sun., Oct. 21, at 6:30 a.m. on KQED-TV Channel 9. The rerun also can be seen in the South Bay on KTEH-TV 54 and KCAH-TV 25 check www.kteh.org for details.
4. Fall QuartetFest
Once again, we’re holding our QuartetFest, a unique weekend (Nov. 3 & 4) for young string players. Four student string quartets receive coaching and perform both masterworks from the quartet literature and accessible modern works.
5. More Good News About Grants
The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation has awarded our nonprofit Del Sol Performing Arts Organization (DSPAO) a first-time grant of $15,000 for our Pacific Rim project (the CD recording this fall and the concert in May 2008). This institutional backing goes far but doesn’t meet all of our expenses. We’re still looking for more individual donors to support this important recording project. Other good grant news came from the Amphion Foundation, which has awarded the DSPAO $4000, an increase of 50% over their grant to us last year.
6. Future Bookings
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve engaged Serious Music Media to help us with bookings and publicity. They have been making headway with prestigious presenters as far out as 2010, with suggestions for exciting programs, some involving collaborations with other artists and art forms.
Monday, September 3, 2007
August/September News
Newsletter Contents:
1. The Past (Ghost Opera)
2. Upcoming (Library of Congress, Pac-Rim Recording, UCSF Noontime)
3. Other News
4. The Means (Grants, Fundraising)
5. New Address
1. The Past (“Ghost Opera” 7/17/07 in Santa Fe)
In July we spent a week of intensive rehearsal in Santa Fe preparing for our July 17th performance of Tan Dun's “Ghost Opera” with pipa player, Wu Man. Upon arrival we quickly had to learn to play all sorts of unusual percussion instruments, including water bowls, and to move all around the theater-- climbing stairs, singing, etc. -- while playing our own instruments. “Ghost Opera” is a magical and very visual piece. In addition to Tan Dun's written choreography and lighting effects, the piece was further enhanced by projected video images. Acushla Bastible directed the whole project, and she did an incredible job of pulling all the elements together, coaching us on our choreography, vocals, and staging. The result was a wonderfully alive and exciting performance that thrilled the packed house at Santa Fe's Lensic Theater.
2. Upcoming Activities (Library of Congress, Pacific Rim Recording, UCSF Concert)
Kicking off our 2007-2008 season is our October 19 public concert at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. There we’ll perform the world premiere of a work by Cambodian-American composer, Chinary Ung, commissioned for us by the Koussevitsky Foundation. We’ll be playing on rare 17th-18th century Italian stringed instruments provided from the Library’s collection.
More info
Later this fall we’ll be recording this piece and works by other contemporary Pacific Rim composers such as Hyo-Shin Na, Kui Dong, and Jack Body. This CD will be released in 2008. Donors of over $1,000 will be listed as sponsors of this Pacific Rim recording in the CD liner notes.
On Thursday, October 11, we’ll give a free noontime concert as part of UC San Francisco’s Chancellor’s Concert Series.
More info
3. Other News (Ron Smith)
This month the Barlow Endowment awarded Canadian composer, Ron Smith, a commission to write a new string quartet for us.
4. The Means (Grants, Fundraising)
Performing, recording, traveling … it all takes money.
This month we learned that we’ll receive $13,000 from the San Francisco Grants for the Arts (Hotel Tax Fund), up from the $10K we received last year. As we noted in last September’s news, future GFTA grants are based on our budget size, which many of you have helped us grow. We’re happy to report that those who gave during our spring
fundraising appeal collectively exceeded the $5K challenge match. Thank you to all who gave and especially to our generous donor who issued the challenge!
5. New office address and phone
We’ve moved. Our new office address is:
754 46th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
Our new phone number is: (415) 374-0074.
1. The Past (Ghost Opera)
2. Upcoming (Library of Congress, Pac-Rim Recording, UCSF Noontime)
3. Other News
4. The Means (Grants, Fundraising)
5. New Address
1. The Past (“Ghost Opera” 7/17/07 in Santa Fe)
In July we spent a week of intensive rehearsal in Santa Fe preparing for our July 17th performance of Tan Dun's “Ghost Opera” with pipa player, Wu Man. Upon arrival we quickly had to learn to play all sorts of unusual percussion instruments, including water bowls, and to move all around the theater-- climbing stairs, singing, etc. -- while playing our own instruments. “Ghost Opera” is a magical and very visual piece. In addition to Tan Dun's written choreography and lighting effects, the piece was further enhanced by projected video images. Acushla Bastible directed the whole project, and she did an incredible job of pulling all the elements together, coaching us on our choreography, vocals, and staging. The result was a wonderfully alive and exciting performance that thrilled the packed house at Santa Fe's Lensic Theater.
2. Upcoming Activities (Library of Congress, Pacific Rim Recording, UCSF Concert)
Kicking off our 2007-2008 season is our October 19 public concert at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. There we’ll perform the world premiere of a work by Cambodian-American composer, Chinary Ung, commissioned for us by the Koussevitsky Foundation. We’ll be playing on rare 17th-18th century Italian stringed instruments provided from the Library’s collection.
More info
Later this fall we’ll be recording this piece and works by other contemporary Pacific Rim composers such as Hyo-Shin Na, Kui Dong, and Jack Body. This CD will be released in 2008. Donors of over $1,000 will be listed as sponsors of this Pacific Rim recording in the CD liner notes.
On Thursday, October 11, we’ll give a free noontime concert as part of UC San Francisco’s Chancellor’s Concert Series.
More info
3. Other News (Ron Smith)
This month the Barlow Endowment awarded Canadian composer, Ron Smith, a commission to write a new string quartet for us.
4. The Means (Grants, Fundraising)
Performing, recording, traveling … it all takes money.
This month we learned that we’ll receive $13,000 from the San Francisco Grants for the Arts (Hotel Tax Fund), up from the $10K we received last year. As we noted in last September’s news, future GFTA grants are based on our budget size, which many of you have helped us grow. We’re happy to report that those who gave during our spring
fundraising appeal collectively exceeded the $5K challenge match. Thank you to all who gave and especially to our generous donor who issued the challenge!
5. New office address and phone
We’ve moved. Our new office address is:
754 46th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
Our new phone number is: (415) 374-0074.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Summer News from Del Sol
Newsletter Contents:
1. Del Sol performs Ghost Opera in Santa Fe!
2. A look back at our successful spring home concert series
3. Del Sol connects with kids in the schools
1. The Santa Fe Opera presents Ghost Opera, featuring Del Sol and Pipa!
Del Sol travels to Santa Fe in July for a unique performance of Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera for string quartet with pipa, water, stones, paper, and metal. Pipa player Wu Man and director Acushla Bastible join Del Sol for this five-movement work of mourning and hope. Dun (b. 1957, China) calls his work “a dialogue between past and future, spirit and nature,” based on the shamanistic customs of Chinese peasant culture. In addition to playing on their usual instruments everything from Chinese folk music to fragments of Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier” to rowdy hoedowns, the musicians will also be required to artfully splash water, skillfully smack stones together, utter chants and exultations, and play as ghostly shadows from behind a white sash. A reflection on human spirituality, Dun’s work is a cross-temporal, cross-cultural and cross-media dialogue which touches on the past, present, future and the eternal, employing elements from Chinese, Tibetan, English and American cultures.
Ghost Opera
Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 7:00pm
The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
211 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM
Tickets: $10-$30
http://delsolquartet.com/concert.html
2. Del Sol’s Home Concert Series completes a great 2006-2007 season!
Our spring concert series, “Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process,” marked the end of a very busy and successful season for Del Sol. In four energetic performances, three of which were recorded, Del Sol explored the influence of motherhood and its effect on the careers and compositions of women composers, featuring works by Kui Dong, Linda Catlin Smith, Teresa Carreno, Sally Beamish, Ruth Crawford Seeger, and Mark Fish. The following comments are from audience members about their recent positive Del Sol concert experience at these performances:
***”The choice of music was wonderful! I was transported. THANK YOU!”
***”Terrific repertoire expertly played. Accessible with commentary, intimate setting. I always enjoy seeing a quartet stand!”
***”As always: energy, invention, technical precision, imaginative and
coherent programming.”
Thanks to all who attended - we’re looking forward to seeing you again in the fall!
3. Del Sol teaches conflict resolution to elementary students
Elementary students in the Burlingame and Millbrae school districts enjoyed a taste of string quartet music as well as a lesson about peacefully resolving conflict this April as Del Sol performed their way through many schools. These assemblies were part of the Music at Kohl Mansion program, which offers shows annually to schools in Millbrae and Burlingame. The quartet taught conflict resolution and peace through music, demonstrating how to listen effectively and new ways of compromising with peers. The students were also offered several examples of composers who successfully blend the music of different cultures. One teacher from Spring Valley Elementary School commented, “Please come back! You are truly our premier assembly each year and the children love you!” Not to worry - Del Sol loves their involvement in the schools as much as the kids do, and they look forward to many more educational activities in the future!
1. Del Sol performs Ghost Opera in Santa Fe!
2. A look back at our successful spring home concert series
3. Del Sol connects with kids in the schools
1. The Santa Fe Opera presents Ghost Opera, featuring Del Sol and Pipa!
Del Sol travels to Santa Fe in July for a unique performance of Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera for string quartet with pipa, water, stones, paper, and metal. Pipa player Wu Man and director Acushla Bastible join Del Sol for this five-movement work of mourning and hope. Dun (b. 1957, China) calls his work “a dialogue between past and future, spirit and nature,” based on the shamanistic customs of Chinese peasant culture. In addition to playing on their usual instruments everything from Chinese folk music to fragments of Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier” to rowdy hoedowns, the musicians will also be required to artfully splash water, skillfully smack stones together, utter chants and exultations, and play as ghostly shadows from behind a white sash. A reflection on human spirituality, Dun’s work is a cross-temporal, cross-cultural and cross-media dialogue which touches on the past, present, future and the eternal, employing elements from Chinese, Tibetan, English and American cultures.
Ghost Opera
Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 7:00pm
The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center
211 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM
Tickets: $10-$30
http://delsolquartet.com/concert.html
2. Del Sol’s Home Concert Series completes a great 2006-2007 season!
Our spring concert series, “Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process,” marked the end of a very busy and successful season for Del Sol. In four energetic performances, three of which were recorded, Del Sol explored the influence of motherhood and its effect on the careers and compositions of women composers, featuring works by Kui Dong, Linda Catlin Smith, Teresa Carreno, Sally Beamish, Ruth Crawford Seeger, and Mark Fish. The following comments are from audience members about their recent positive Del Sol concert experience at these performances:
***”The choice of music was wonderful! I was transported. THANK YOU!”
***”Terrific repertoire expertly played. Accessible with commentary, intimate setting. I always enjoy seeing a quartet stand!”
***”As always: energy, invention, technical precision, imaginative and
coherent programming.”
Thanks to all who attended - we’re looking forward to seeing you again in the fall!
3. Del Sol teaches conflict resolution to elementary students
Elementary students in the Burlingame and Millbrae school districts enjoyed a taste of string quartet music as well as a lesson about peacefully resolving conflict this April as Del Sol performed their way through many schools. These assemblies were part of the Music at Kohl Mansion program, which offers shows annually to schools in Millbrae and Burlingame. The quartet taught conflict resolution and peace through music, demonstrating how to listen effectively and new ways of compromising with peers. The students were also offered several examples of composers who successfully blend the music of different cultures. One teacher from Spring Valley Elementary School commented, “Please come back! You are truly our premier assembly each year and the children love you!” Not to worry - Del Sol loves their involvement in the schools as much as the kids do, and they look forward to many more educational activities in the future!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
A Few Reminders
Newsletter Contents:
1. Catch an informal Del Sol performance this Sunday night!
2. Del Sol Home Season Concerts are just around the corner!
3. Register now for Adult QuartetFest while spots are still available!
1. DSSQ at Papa Toby’s Revolution Cafe and Art Bar!
Del Sol will be playing selections from their home season concert series this Sunday night at Revolution Cafe’s weekly Sunday night classical jam. The program will include works by Sally Beamish, Mark Fish, and Teresa Carreno. It is a fun, informal setting where you can sip on your favorite drink and enjoy the music. We’d love to see you there!
Sunday, May 20, 2007 10pm
Papa Toby’s Revolution Cafe and Art Bar
3248 22nd Street (at Bartlett)
San Francisco, CA 94110
2. DSSQ Home Season Concert Series: “Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process”
Mark your date books and palm pilots now - you don’t want to miss this stirring Del Sol concert in which the quartet explores the influence of motherhood and its effect on the careers and compositions of women composers. Our upcoming concert series features works from the past 111 years by Kui Dong, Linda Catlin Smith, Teresa Carreno, Sally Beamish, and Ruth Crawford Seeger. Inspired by the life and work of Ruth Crawford Seeger, local composer Mark Fish composed “Whatever Happened to the Fireside Fancies?” (2007), which will have its world premiere. Additionally, folk songs gathered by Ruth Crawford Seeger and arranged by Mark Fish will be sprinkled throughout the program. Mr. Fish will be present to discuss his new quartet and the arrangements at each concert.
Program:
Linda Catlin Smith (b. 1957, USA): As you pass a reflective surface (1991);
Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953, USA): String Quartet (1931);
Mark Fish (b. 1969, USA): Whatever Happened to the Fireside Fancies? (2007);
Teresa Carreno (1853-1917, Venezuela): Selection from String Quartet in B Minor (1895);
Sally Beamish (b. 1956, Great Britain): String Quartet No. 2 “Opus California” (1999);
Kui Dong (b. 1966, China): Spring (2006)
Tickets are available at the door: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $7 students/kids
The series will take place on 5/27 (4pm, Pt. Reyes Station), 5/30 (8pm, Berkeley), 5/31 (7pm, San Jose), and 6/3 (2:30pm, San Francisco).
For more information, please visit our website.
3. DSSQ’s Adult QuartetFest still has openings for participants!
Del Sol invites preformed adult amateur quartets to participate in a fun and intensive weekend of chamber music (Saturday, June 23-Sunday, June 24, 2007). Enjoy over 9 hours of coaching by Del Sol musicians in the intimate setting of an old Victorian home in San Francisco, indulge in tasty catered meals, and have the chance to perform for friends and family in an informal concert on Sunday evening. There is space for four groups only, so make your reservations soon!
More info
Contact:
Kate Curran
415-374-0074
kcurran@delsolquartet.com
Fee: $250/person (includes lunches and dinner)
Schedule: Saturday (10am-8pm) and Sunday (10am-6pm)
1. Catch an informal Del Sol performance this Sunday night!
2. Del Sol Home Season Concerts are just around the corner!
3. Register now for Adult QuartetFest while spots are still available!
1. DSSQ at Papa Toby’s Revolution Cafe and Art Bar!
Del Sol will be playing selections from their home season concert series this Sunday night at Revolution Cafe’s weekly Sunday night classical jam. The program will include works by Sally Beamish, Mark Fish, and Teresa Carreno. It is a fun, informal setting where you can sip on your favorite drink and enjoy the music. We’d love to see you there!
Sunday, May 20, 2007 10pm
Papa Toby’s Revolution Cafe and Art Bar
3248 22nd Street (at Bartlett)
San Francisco, CA 94110
2. DSSQ Home Season Concert Series: “Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process”
Mark your date books and palm pilots now - you don’t want to miss this stirring Del Sol concert in which the quartet explores the influence of motherhood and its effect on the careers and compositions of women composers. Our upcoming concert series features works from the past 111 years by Kui Dong, Linda Catlin Smith, Teresa Carreno, Sally Beamish, and Ruth Crawford Seeger. Inspired by the life and work of Ruth Crawford Seeger, local composer Mark Fish composed “Whatever Happened to the Fireside Fancies?” (2007), which will have its world premiere. Additionally, folk songs gathered by Ruth Crawford Seeger and arranged by Mark Fish will be sprinkled throughout the program. Mr. Fish will be present to discuss his new quartet and the arrangements at each concert.
Program:
Linda Catlin Smith (b. 1957, USA): As you pass a reflective surface (1991);
Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953, USA): String Quartet (1931);
Mark Fish (b. 1969, USA): Whatever Happened to the Fireside Fancies? (2007);
Teresa Carreno (1853-1917, Venezuela): Selection from String Quartet in B Minor (1895);
Sally Beamish (b. 1956, Great Britain): String Quartet No. 2 “Opus California” (1999);
Kui Dong (b. 1966, China): Spring (2006)
Tickets are available at the door: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $7 students/kids
The series will take place on 5/27 (4pm, Pt. Reyes Station), 5/30 (8pm, Berkeley), 5/31 (7pm, San Jose), and 6/3 (2:30pm, San Francisco).
For more information, please visit our website.
3. DSSQ’s Adult QuartetFest still has openings for participants!
Del Sol invites preformed adult amateur quartets to participate in a fun and intensive weekend of chamber music (Saturday, June 23-Sunday, June 24, 2007). Enjoy over 9 hours of coaching by Del Sol musicians in the intimate setting of an old Victorian home in San Francisco, indulge in tasty catered meals, and have the chance to perform for friends and family in an informal concert on Sunday evening. There is space for four groups only, so make your reservations soon!
More info
Contact:
Kate Curran
415-374-0074
kcurran@delsolquartet.com
Fee: $250/person (includes lunches and dinner)
Schedule: Saturday (10am-8pm) and Sunday (10am-6pm)
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Recent Success and Upcoming Events
After a successful tour and television appearance, Del Sol continues to capture more attention and recognition as we head into our spring concert series.
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Newsletter Contents:
1. Del Sol returns from a successful tour to Boston and Albuquerque
2. KQED TV's Spark program beautifully captures the heart of Del Sol
3. DSSQ performs three world premieres at UC Berkeley
4. Introducing our spring concert series: "Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process"
5. Del Sol teaches peace through music to elementary school students
6. Composer Eric Lindsay wins prestigious award from ASCAP
7. Looking for adult amateur string players to participate in QuartetFest!
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1. Del Sol in Massachusetts and New Mexico
In late March, Del Sol traveled to residencies at Northeastern University in Boston and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The quartet performed for packed houses at both universities and also at the Simms Center for the Performing Arts in Chamber Music Albuquerque's "Chamber Music X" Concert Series. While in Boston Del Sol had a productive day of recording String Quartet No. 2 "Nostalgia" by Ronald Bruce Smith (b. 1961, Canada). The quartet offered workshops for composition students at both universities and also gave a masterclass at UNM, coaching a talented student quartet.
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2. Del Sol Appears on TV - "KQED Spark"
On April 11th Del Sol was featured on KQED TV's "Spark" program, which highlights Bay Area artists and arts organizations. As board chair Jane Kumin commented after the show, the "Spark" episode vividly demonstrates "how the music moves from the written parts to our ears and hearts through the collaboration of the composers and musicians. It perfectly captures the passion of the musicians, the process of communicating an artistic vision (among composers, musicians, and listeners), and Del Sol's mission to heighten the public's awareness and understanding of contemporary chamber music."
If you missed the program, it's not too late! You can watch it now by visiting this website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Del Sol Premieres Three Pieces at Noontime Concert in Berkeley
Del Sol is excited to perform three new compositions at 12 noon, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at Hertz Hall (University of California, Berkeley). This free concert will feature the work of Robin Estrada, Jen Wang, and Nils Bultmann. Join us for a special lunchtime treat! For more information, please call 510-642-4864.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. DSSQ Home Season Concert Series: "Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process"
Creating music, whether composing or performing, is like giving birth - it's an incredible outpouring of hard work, love, and emotion to bring life to something special and new to the world. Our upcoming concert series features works by women composers and a premiere -- a biographical work about Ruth Crawford Seeger, by Mark Fish (USA). The women composers whose work we will present are Linda Catlin Smith (USA), Ruth Crawford Seeger (USA), Teresa Carreno (Venezuela), Sally Beamish (Great Britain), and Kui Dong (China). In another tribute to Ruth Crawford Seeger, who collected American children's folk songs, the featured works will be juxtaposed by some of these folk songs, arranged by Mark Fish. Mark Fish will be present at each of the concerts to discuss his work.
The series will take place on 5/27 (4pm, Pt. Reyes Station), 5/30(8pm, Berkeley), 5/31 (7pm, San Jose), and 6/3 (2:30pm, San Francisco).
For more information, please visit our website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. DSSQ: Music at Kohl Mansion, Music in Schools - Teaching Conflict Resolution
Del Sol performs for elementary school students in the Burlingame and Millbrae school districts throughout the month of April. The quartet teaches conflict resolution and peace through music, demonstrating new ways of compromising with peers, listening to conflict and peace in musical examples, and sampling composers who successfully blend the music of different cultures and music composed as a means of political protest.
For more information, please visit the Music at Kohl website.
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6. Congratulations to Composer Eric Lindsay!
Los Angeles composer Eric Lindsay was recently named a recipient of the 2007 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards for his quartet "Hopkin and the Wired Night" -- premiered by Del Sol last November. The Morton Gould Awards program rewards gifted young creators of concert music, and the recipients will be recognized at the 8th Annual ASCAP Concert Music Awards at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater in New York on May 24, 2007. Out of 601 submissions, only 35 recipients were chosen ranging in age from 12 to 30. Bravo, Eric!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Del Sol Introduces QuartetFest for Adult Amateur Chamber Groups
Del Sol invites preformed adult amateur quartets to participate in QuartetFest, a fun and intensive weekend workshop with a focus on contemporary chamber music (Sat. June 23 - Sun. June 24, 2007). Participating groups will receive over seven hours of coaching by Del Sol musicians in the intimate setting of an old Victorian home in San Francisco. Each group will perform in a final concert performance and then enjoy a delicious catered dinner at the end of the weekend. There is space for four groups only, so make your reservations soon by calling 415-374-0074, or emailing kcurran@delsolquartet.com.
Del Sol offers a similar QuartetFest for kids on May 5th and 6th. Student quartets will have fun learning contemporary repertoire with Del Sol musicians, perform in a final concert, and enjoy a potluck dinner at the end of the weekend. All spots have been filled for this event.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsletter Contents:
1. Del Sol returns from a successful tour to Boston and Albuquerque
2. KQED TV's Spark program beautifully captures the heart of Del Sol
3. DSSQ performs three world premieres at UC Berkeley
4. Introducing our spring concert series: "Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process"
5. Del Sol teaches peace through music to elementary school students
6. Composer Eric Lindsay wins prestigious award from ASCAP
7. Looking for adult amateur string players to participate in QuartetFest!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Del Sol in Massachusetts and New Mexico
In late March, Del Sol traveled to residencies at Northeastern University in Boston and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The quartet performed for packed houses at both universities and also at the Simms Center for the Performing Arts in Chamber Music Albuquerque's "Chamber Music X" Concert Series. While in Boston Del Sol had a productive day of recording String Quartet No. 2 "Nostalgia" by Ronald Bruce Smith (b. 1961, Canada). The quartet offered workshops for composition students at both universities and also gave a masterclass at UNM, coaching a talented student quartet.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Del Sol Appears on TV - "KQED Spark"
On April 11th Del Sol was featured on KQED TV's "Spark" program, which highlights Bay Area artists and arts organizations. As board chair Jane Kumin commented after the show, the "Spark" episode vividly demonstrates "how the music moves from the written parts to our ears and hearts through the collaboration of the composers and musicians. It perfectly captures the passion of the musicians, the process of communicating an artistic vision (among composers, musicians, and listeners), and Del Sol's mission to heighten the public's awareness and understanding of contemporary chamber music."
If you missed the program, it's not too late! You can watch it now by visiting this website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Del Sol Premieres Three Pieces at Noontime Concert in Berkeley
Del Sol is excited to perform three new compositions at 12 noon, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at Hertz Hall (University of California, Berkeley). This free concert will feature the work of Robin Estrada, Jen Wang, and Nils Bultmann. Join us for a special lunchtime treat! For more information, please call 510-642-4864.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. DSSQ Home Season Concert Series: "Umbilical Chords - Women Composers and the Creative Process"
Creating music, whether composing or performing, is like giving birth - it's an incredible outpouring of hard work, love, and emotion to bring life to something special and new to the world. Our upcoming concert series features works by women composers and a premiere -- a biographical work about Ruth Crawford Seeger, by Mark Fish (USA). The women composers whose work we will present are Linda Catlin Smith (USA), Ruth Crawford Seeger (USA), Teresa Carreno (Venezuela), Sally Beamish (Great Britain), and Kui Dong (China). In another tribute to Ruth Crawford Seeger, who collected American children's folk songs, the featured works will be juxtaposed by some of these folk songs, arranged by Mark Fish. Mark Fish will be present at each of the concerts to discuss his work.
The series will take place on 5/27 (4pm, Pt. Reyes Station), 5/30(8pm, Berkeley), 5/31 (7pm, San Jose), and 6/3 (2:30pm, San Francisco).
For more information, please visit our website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. DSSQ: Music at Kohl Mansion, Music in Schools - Teaching Conflict Resolution
Del Sol performs for elementary school students in the Burlingame and Millbrae school districts throughout the month of April. The quartet teaches conflict resolution and peace through music, demonstrating new ways of compromising with peers, listening to conflict and peace in musical examples, and sampling composers who successfully blend the music of different cultures and music composed as a means of political protest.
For more information, please visit the Music at Kohl website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Congratulations to Composer Eric Lindsay!
Los Angeles composer Eric Lindsay was recently named a recipient of the 2007 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards for his quartet "Hopkin and the Wired Night" -- premiered by Del Sol last November. The Morton Gould Awards program rewards gifted young creators of concert music, and the recipients will be recognized at the 8th Annual ASCAP Concert Music Awards at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater in New York on May 24, 2007. Out of 601 submissions, only 35 recipients were chosen ranging in age from 12 to 30. Bravo, Eric!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Del Sol Introduces QuartetFest for Adult Amateur Chamber Groups
Del Sol invites preformed adult amateur quartets to participate in QuartetFest, a fun and intensive weekend workshop with a focus on contemporary chamber music (Sat. June 23 - Sun. June 24, 2007). Participating groups will receive over seven hours of coaching by Del Sol musicians in the intimate setting of an old Victorian home in San Francisco. Each group will perform in a final concert performance and then enjoy a delicious catered dinner at the end of the weekend. There is space for four groups only, so make your reservations soon by calling 415-374-0074, or emailing kcurran@delsolquartet.com.
Del Sol offers a similar QuartetFest for kids on May 5th and 6th. Student quartets will have fun learning contemporary repertoire with Del Sol musicians, perform in a final concert, and enjoy a potluck dinner at the end of the weekend. All spots have been filled for this event.
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