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.

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.

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!

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)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

Del Sol On Tour; Del Sol on TV

Del Sol has an exciting month ahead -- touring for university residencies and concerts in Boston and Albuquerque during March. Then, in April, Del Sol appears on local TV -- "KQED Spark." Don't miss a chance to enjoy Del Sol from the comfort of your living room!

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Newsletter Contents
1. Residency at Northeastern University
2. Residency at University of New Mexico
3. KQED Spark features Del Sol - April 11

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1. Del Sol goes to Boston!

Del Sol appears in residency at Northeastern University from March 22-23 where the quartet will coach student composers in workshops, record String Quartet No. 2 "Nostalgia" by Ronald Bruce Smith (b. 1961, Canada), and perform a free public concert featuring works by George Antheil, Marc Blitzstein, Ruth Crawford Seeger, and Ronald Bruce Smith.

For March 22 concert details in Boston, click here.


2. On to Albuquerque!

From Boston, Del Sol travels on to a residency at the University of New Mexico (March 26-28). The quartet will perform works by Hyo-Shin Na, Richard Hermann, and Curt Cacioppo at the 36th Annual John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium. Then on March 30, Chamber Music Albuquerque presents Del Sol at its "Chamber Music X" Concert Series at the Albuquerque Academy, featuring works by Jose Evangelista, Lou Harrison, George Antheil, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Paquito D'Rivera.

For Albuquerque concert details, click here.


3. Del Sol featured on TV -- "KQED Spark" -- April 11, 7:30 p.m. and April 13, 11 p.m. (repeat)

KQED TV's "Spark" program features Bay Area artists and arts organizations, taking audiences inside the creative process to witness the challenges, opportunities, and rewards of making art. Del Sol is thrilled to be featured, and we hope you are able to tune in!

More info on the KQED website

Bay Area Performances in January and February 2007

Contents
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1. DSSQ at Papa Toby’s Revolution Café and Art Bar
2. DSSQ in Concert at the UUSM
3. Fremont Symphony presents “Musical Treats: String Fling with the Del Sol String Quartet”
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1. DSSQ at Papa Toby’s Revolution Café and Art Bar

We will be playing the opening set at Revolution Café’s weekly Sundaynight Classical Jam. Program to include Ronald Bruce Smith’s String Quartet No. 2 “Nostalgia” (2002/2006) and Jose Evangelista’s Spanish Garland: 12 folk melodies from Spain (1993). It’s a fun and informal setting where you can sip something hot or cold while you enjoy the music. Free admission, and the music and merrymaking will continue
until midnight!

Sunday, January 21st, 8:00 PM
Papa Toby’s Revolution Café and Art Bar
3248 22nd Street,
San Francisco, CA
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2. DSSQ in Concert at the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo

The Universalists of San Mateo will be presenting us in an afternoon concert. Suggested donation $20, free for students.
Program:
Marc Blitzstein Quartet for Strings "The Italian" (1930)
Ronald Bruce Smith Quartet No. 2 "Nostalgia" (2002/2006)
Lou Harrison String Quartet Set (1979)
Jose Evangelista Spanish Garland (1993)

Sunday, January 28th, 2007, 3:00 PM
Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo (UUSM)
400 East Santa Inez (@ North Ellsworth)
San Mateo, CA

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3. Fremont Symphony presents “Musical Treats: String Fling with the
Del Sol String Quartet”

A Family Concert at the Fremont Symphony, we will be playing the “Del Sol Express”, a musical journey through Latin America. Fun and educational for kids of all ages.

Sunday, February 11, 2007, 2:00 PM
Jackson Theater,
Gary Soren Smith Center for the Fine and Performing Arts
Ohlone College
43600 Mission Boulevard
Fremont, CA