Berkeley Symphony Announces New Season - Two West Coast Premieres, Beethoven, Berlioz and More!

BERKELEY, CA (UPDATED September 1, 2015) - Music Director Joana Carneiro and Berkeley Symphony have announced programming for the 2015-2016 season, including the West Coast premiere of Laterna Magica by Kaija Saariaho, who will be a visiting music professor at UC Berkeley this fall; the West Coast premiere of Mark Grey's new Frankenstein Symphony, co-commissioned with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; and the U.S. premiere of Fachwerk by Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina, featuring the Bay Area debut of Geir Draugsvoll, a pioneer of the bayan, or classical accordion, for whom the work was written. The Orchestra also welcomes soprano Simone Osborne, and violinist Simone Porter, both making their Bay Area debuts, in addition to a first-time Berkeley Symphony appearance by pianist Conrad Tao.

Well-established as a presenter of major contemporary orchestral works, Berkeley Symphony continues its steadfast commitment to presenting original and unique programs, with a 2015-2016 season that combines important contemporary works, U.S. and West Coast premieres, and commissioned work alongside classic masterworks. In addition to the aforementioned premieres, this season Berkeley Symphony will explore classics including Berlioz's Les nuits d'été, featuring soprano Simone Osborne; Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major, featuring Simone Porter; Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Emperor"), with Conrad Tao as soloist; Beethoven's Overture to TheCreatures of Prometheus; Ravel's Bolero; Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition; Lutos?awski's Concerto for Orchestra, and Gabrieli's Canzon septimi et octavi toni and Sonata pian e forte for brass.

Including the works planned for this season, Berkeley Symphony has performed 57 world premieres, 27 U.S. premieres, and 22 West Coast premieres since the 1979-1980 season. The Orchestra received the prestigious ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award in 10 of the past 12 seasons. "The ambition and success of Berkeley Symphony continues to grow, and this season marks yet another jewel in our crown," said Music Director Joana Carneiro. "With a U.S. premiere, two West Coast premieres, including one of a co-commissioned work, orchestral masterpieces, and guest solo artists of the highest caliber, we are able to shape the direction of today's music. I am delighted to share these many highlights with our passionate audiences, who share our goal of honoring the past, present and beyond."

"Berkeley Symphony continues to thrive in one of the most musically vibrant parts of the country," said Executive Director René Mandel. "We are constantly thrilled and humbled by the passion and commitment that our audiences have for both contemporary music and the greatest orchestral works in the repertoire. I am thankful to our many supporters for being a part of the Berkeley Symphony family as we further enhance and expand our contribution to this ever-changing landscape."

"The music scene here in Berkeley and throughout the whole Bay Area is electric. This is a huge testament to not only to the spirit and verve of Joana and our musicians, but the dedication of our audiences, who remain steadfast in their exploration and appreciation of new music. Through their continued support, we are able to further enhance and expand our contribution to this ever-changing landscape through initiatives such as our Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series and Music in the Schools. We are incredibly grateful and thankful to be a part of this hub."

Berkeley Symphony opens the 2015-2016 season at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm with the West Coast premiere of Laterna Magica by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. Alluding to the autobiography of the same name by renowned film director Ingmar Bergman, Laterna Magica was commissioned and premiered by the Berlin Philharmonic in 2009. Saariaho's work evokes the illusion of the moving image through varied musical motifs and tempi. Saariaho is a Distinguished Professor of Music at UC Berkeley on campus this fall. Canadian lyric and operatic soprano Simone Osborne makes her Bay Area debut as soloist in Berlioz's song cycleLes nuits d'été. The program concludes with Ravel's Bolero.

On Thursday, December 3 at 8 pm, Joana Carneiro and Berkeley Symphony will present the U.S. premiere of Fachwerk by Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. Fachwerk (2009) features the bayan (classical accordion), percussion, and strings, and was written expressly for the world-renowned Norwegian bayan pioneer Geir Draugsvoll, who makes his Bay Area debut as soloist. The evening opens with two brass works by Italian Renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrieli - Canzon septimi et octavi toni and Sonata pian e forte - and concludes with Mussorgsky's much-loved Pictures at an Exhibition.

An appearance by pianist Conrad Tao highlights the third program at Zellerbach Hall on Thursday, February 4 at 8 pm. Tao performs Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," in his debut with Berkeley Symphony. In a program showcasing both the exceptional artistry of guest soloist and orchestra, Joana Carneiro leads the orchestra in Lutos?awski's Concerto for Orchestra. Undoubtedly inspired by Bartók's own monumental concerto for orchestra, Lutos?awski immediately shot to fame across the Western world with this work, his crowning achievement in folklorish style, before embarking on a new compositional direction.

Joana Carneiro and Berkeley Symphony conclude the 2015-2016 season on Thursday, May 5 at 8 pm at Zellerbach Hall with the West Coast premiere of Frankenstein Symphony, a new work by San Francisco-native composer Mark Grey, co-commissioned with the Atlanta Symphony and premiering there in February 2016. The FrankensteinSymphony is derived from Grey's forthcoming operaFrankenstein, which premieres at La Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium, in spring 2016. Both works are based on Mary Shelley's book. Grey is renowned as both a composer and sound designer who earned advanced music degrees at San Jose State University. He has received a multitude of commissions from organizations including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Kronos Quartet, and Carnegie Hall, and has worked with artists such as John Adams, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. His sound design creations have been seen and heard across the globe, and he was the first designer in history to design for the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall in 2002. Appearing in her Bay Area debut is violinist Simone Porter, who is the soloist for Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major. Since making her professional solo debut with the Seattle Symphony at age 13, Porter has appeared with the Royal Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Los Angeles Philharmonic, all before the age of 18. Porter was the recent recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career grant. The overture to Beethoven's TheCreatures of Prometheus, the composer's highly popular and successful two-act ballet, completes the program.

CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES PROGRAMMING AND ARTISTS

Berkeley Symphony & Friends, a chamber music series introduced in 2013 and curated by Executive Director and violinist René Mandel, will continue during the 2015-2016 season, with four intimate concerts presented on Sunday afternoons at the Piedmont Center for the Arts. These concerts are designed to showcase the exceptional artistry of Berkeley Symphony musicians alongside local guest artists in a variety of works for small ensemble. The first concert on Sunday, September 20 at 5 pm is an all-Russian program, with works by Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Arensky. The concert on Sunday, November 15 at 5 pm offers works by Brahms, Mozart, and Schumann. OnSunday, February 21 at 5 pm, Haydn's "Gypsy" Trio and Czech and Hungarian composers includingBartók, Martin?, and Suk are in the spotlight. On Sunday, April 10 at 5 pm, the musicians perform repertoire by French composers Messiaen, Françaix and Fauré. The series is co-presented by Berkeley Symphony and the Piedmont Center for the Arts.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to all of Berkeley Symphony's 2015-2016 concerts are on sale now at www.berkeleysymphony.org; by phone at (510) 841-2800, ext. 1; by fax to (510) 841-5422; or by mail at 1942 University Avenue, Suite 207, Berkeley, CA 94704. 2015-2016 season subscriptions to the Zellerbach Hall Concert Series (four concerts) are also available. Prices for the four-concert series range from $39 to $266. Subscribers enjoy a 10% discount on additional single ticket purchases throughout the season. Single ticket prices range from $15 to $74. Groups of 6 or more receive a 20% discount off the single ticket price. Berkeley Symphony offers a $7 Student Rush ticket one hour prior to each performance for those with a valid student ID.

Tickets to the Berkeley Symphony & Friends chamber music concerts at the Piedmont Center for the Arts are $25 and can be purchased in advance at www.berkeleysymphony.org or by phone at (510) 841-2800, ext. 1. All Family Concerts are offered free of charge (suggested donation: $10). For more information or to request a brochure, call Berkeley Symphony at (510) 841-2800, ext. 1, email tickets@berkeleysymphony.org or visit www.berkeleysymphony.org.

MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS

Berkeley Symphony continues its vigorous Music in the Schools program, serving all 11 public elementary schools in Berkeley and, beginning in 2015-16, students in Berkeley's three middle schools. The nationally-recognized program consists of musician classroom visits, instrument lessons and performance opportunities for students from kindergarten through middle school. The students grow with the program year after year, building on their knowledge while learning and performing alongside the Orchestra. Music in the Schools is under the leadership of Education Director Ming Luke.

Since 1992, Berkeley Symphony's Music in the Schools program, in partnership with the Berkeley Unified School District, has provided a comprehensive, hands-on and age-appropriate music curriculum to elementary school students in Berkeley. More than 4,600 children benefit each year from the program. Over 200 in-class sessions led by Berkeley Symphony musicians are provided free of charge. Included are hands-on music instruction and age-appropriate curriculum booklets addressing state standards for music education. In addition to instruction and performances in the schools, on two Saturday mornings during the season, the Orchestra performs free Family Concerts that the entire family can enjoy. "Meet the Symphony" introduces children of all ages to the various families of instruments in an orchestra. Presented in an entertaining and interactive manner, these concerts engage even the youngest audience members. "Meet the Symphony" concerts take place November 14, 2015 at 10 am and 11:30 am at Malcolm X Elementary School in Berkeley. "I'm a Performer" invites audience members young and old to bring their own instruments and join the Orchestra on stage. Seated beside and among the Berkeley Symphony musicians, children have the opportunity to be a part of an orchestra. Free public "I'm a Performer" concerts are at 10 am and 11:30 am on April 23, 2016 at Malcolm X Elementary School in Berkeley. Ming Luke leads the Orchestra.

FUNDING

Funding for Berkeley Symphony comes from a broad base of individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources. Funders provide support for the Symphony's collaborations with world-class artists, the commissioning of local and international composers, and its award-winning Music in the Schools education program. Major institutional funding sources include The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Meyer Sound, Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, City of Berkeley, California Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

ABOUT JOANA CARNEIRO

As Music Director, Joana Carneiro has captivated the public with her commanding stage presence and adventurous programming, which has highlighted the works of several prominent contemporary composers, including John Adams, Jake Heggie, Steven Stucky, and Gabriela Lena Frank. During the 2015-2016 season she will conduct two West Coast premieres, by Mark Grey and Kaija Saariaho, as well as a U.S. premiere by Sofia Gubaidulina. Carneiro's commitment to expanding the community base of Berkeley Symphony and upholding the Orchestra's artistic excellence was recognized by the League of American Orchestras, which honored her with the Helen M. Thompson Award in 2010. She was appointed Music Director of Berkeley Symphony in 2009, succeeding Kent Nagano as only the third Music Director in the 40-year history of the Orchestra.

Named Principal Conductor of the Portuguese National Symphony at the Teatro de Sao Carlos, Carneiro is considered one of the most exciting and outstanding young conductors working today. Prior to her Berkeley Symphony appointment, she served as Assistant Conductor with the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 2005 to 2008, where she worked closely with Esa-Pekka Salonen and led performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. She remains the Invited Conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Estagio Gulbenkian Para Orquesta in her native Lisbon.

ABOUT BERKELEY SYMPHONY

Recognized nationally for its spirited programming, Berkeley Symphony has established a reputation for presenting major new works for orchestra alongside fresh interpretations of the classic European and American repertoire. Since the 1979-1980 season, including the works planned for this season, Berkeley Symphony has performed 57 world premieres, 27 U.S. premieres, and 22 West Coast premieres. Berkeley Symphony has been recognized in 10 of the past 12 seasons with an Award for Adventurous Programming from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). In addition to its concerts at Zellerbach Hall and its Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series, Berkeley Symphony regularly partners with Cal Performances, the performing arts presenter and producer of the University of California, Berkeley, to provide music for visiting artists. Berkeley Symphony's award-winning Music in the Schools program benefits over 4,600 elementary school students in Berkeley each year. San Francisco public radio station KALW 91.7 FM is Berkeley Symphony's broadcast partner, airing all Berkeley Symphony subscription concerts.

CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:

BERKELEY SYMPHONY 2015-2016 SEASON

Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 5 pm

Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont

Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series

Stuart Canin, violin

Janet Guggenheim, piano

Jonah Kim, cello

Stravinsky: Duo Concertante

Prokofiev: Violin Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 94a

Arensky: Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 32

Tickets: $25

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 7 pm

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way at Dana Street, Berkeley

Joana Carneiro, conductor

Simone Osborne, soprano

Berkeley Symphony

Program I: Magical

Berlioz: Les nuits d'été

Kaija Saariaho: Laterna Magica (West Coast Premiere)

Ravel: Bolero

Tickets: $15-$74

Saturday, November 14, 2015, 10 am & 11:30 am

Malcolm X Elementary School, 1731 Prince Street, Berkeley

"Meet the Symphony" Family Concerts

Ming Luke, conductor

Dawn Harms, violin

Berkeley Symphony

Tickets: Free (Suggested donation: $10)

Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 5 pm

Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont

Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series

Evelyn Kwark, violin

Emanuela Nikiforova, violin

Ilana Matfis, viola

Eric Gaenslen, cello

Miles Graber, piano

Brahms: Scherzo-Sonatensatz from F.A.E. Sonata

Mozart: Piano Trio in G major, K.496

Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44

Tickets: $25

Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 8 pm

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way at Dana Street, Berkeley

Joana Carneiro, conductor

Geir Draugsvall, bayan

Berkeley Symphony

Program II: Mystical

Gabrieli: Canzon septimi et octavi toni

Gabrieli: Sonata pian e forte

Sofia Gubaidulina: Fachwerk (U.S. Premiere)

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

Tickets: $15-$74

Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 8 pm

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way at Dana Street, Berkeley

Joana Carneiro, conductor

Conrad Tao, piano

Berkeley Symphony

Program III: Majestic

Lutos?awski: Concerto for Orchestra

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, "Emperor"

Tickets: $15-$74

Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 5 pm

Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont

Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series

Karsten Windt, violin

Angela Lee, cello

Markus Pawlik, piano

Haydn: Piano Trio in G major, Gypsy

Martin?: Variations on a Slovak Folk Song for cello and piano

Suk: Raduz a Mahulena for violin and piano

Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances for violin and piano

Suk: Elegy for piano, violin and violoncello, Op. 23

Martin?: Piano Trio No. 2

Tickets: $25

Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 5 pm

Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont

Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series

René Mandel, violin

Joy Fellows, viola

Peter Wyrick, cello

Peter Asimov, piano

Messiaen: Theme and Variations for violin and piano

Françaix: String Trio

Fauré: Piano Quartet in C minor, Op.15

Tickets: $25

Saturday, April 23, 2016, 10 am & 11 am

Malcolm X Elementary School, 1731 Prince Street, Berkeley

"I'm a Performer" Family Concerts

Ming Luke, conductor

Berkeley Symphony

Beethoven: Ode to Joy

I am a Fine Musician

(the rest is a surprise!)

Tickets: Free (Suggested donation: $10)

Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 8 pm

Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way at Dana Street, Berkeley

Joana Carneiro, conductor

Simone Porter, violin

Berkeley Symphony

Program IV: Monstrous

Beethoven: Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus

Mark Grey:Frankenstein Symphony (West Coast Premiere, co-commission with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35

Tickets: $15-$74

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to all of Berkeley Symphony's 2015-2016 concerts are on sale now at www.berkeleysymphony.org; by phone at (510) 841-2800, ext. 1; by fax to (510) 841-5422; or by mail at 1942 University Avenue, Suite 207, Berkeley, CA 94704. 2015-2016 season subscriptions to the Zellerbach Hall Concert Series (four concerts) are also available. Prices for the four-concert series range from $39 to $266. Subscribers enjoy a 10% discount on additional single ticket purchases throughout the season. Single ticket prices range from $15 to $74. Groups of 6 or more receive a 20% discount off the single ticket price. Berkeley Symphony offers a $7 Student Rush ticket one hour prior to each performance for those with a valid student ID

Tickets to the Berkeley Symphony & Friends chamber music concerts at the Piedmont Center for the Arts are $25 and can be purchased in advance at www.berkeleysymphony.org or by phone at (510) 841-2800, ext. 1. All Family Concerts are offered free of charge (Suggested donation: $10). For more information or to request a brochure, call Berkeley Symphony at (510) 841-2800, ext. 1, email tickets@berkeleysymphony.org or visit www.berkeleysymphony.org.

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