Inaugural Musica Marin Festival Announces Program for Weekend Of Concerts With Gourmet Food & Wine

"There's a friendly tie between music and eating," opined Thomas Hardy. That tie is what binds together internationally-acclaimed violist Ruth Kahn and master chef Mark Furr: a culinary adventure given gourmet melody at the Inaugural Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival (www.musicamarinfestival.com) Over three days, September 21, 22 & 23, Musica Marin will unfold in Tiburon and Belvedere at Old St. Hilary's Chapel (201 Esperanza Street), St. Stephen's Church (3 Bayview Avenue) and at an exquisite nine-acre private estate overlooking San Francisco Bay.

"Magical music paired with delectable dishes in unparalleled private settings with world-renowned International Artists is what we're all about," says Kahn, a Juilliard graduate known to legions of fans for her performances both in the Bay Area and in Europe including 20 years with the New York City Ballet orchestra. "Mark and I believe we have created a unique experience, for a unique audience: people who appreciate world-class food and world-class music in world-class settings."

Founded in 2014 by Kahn, the nonprofit Musica Marin executes a vision to inspire, educate and cultivate appreciation and support for the classical arts. For the last four years, as part of Musica Marin's in-home concert series, scores of fans have been treated to concert events, including world premiere commissions, with renowned musicians in private residences and other intimate settings. With the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival, the organization is expanding its artistic footprint.

"For the last several years I have been honored to participate in Ruth's vision," said Furr, for 20 years known to Bay Area foodies for his time at Radius, Broken Record and appearances on The Travel Channel. "My passion for creative cuisine with Ruth's passion to create a music festival with global connections is even better than a marriage made in heaven. It's a marriage made in Marin."

The locale for Musica Marin is of equal importance to the artistry note both Kahn and Furr.

"Belvedere-Tiburon is the ideal place for the Musica Marin Festival," they said in a joint statement. "The area's natural beauty, storybook neighborhoods, fine dining and breathtaking vistas provide an elegant setting for this first-of-its-kind experience. It is truly for those palettes both educated and curious."

Musica Marin Festival attendees can choose from a variety of performances, food and wine options and ticket packages. In addition, for a limited time, Founding Festival Member packages are available with special VIP add ons. A portion of the proceeds benefit Musica Marin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

"This will be a unique international chamber music and culinary experience," sums up Kahn. "It will be a weekend festival promising stunning settings, exquisite food and chamber music both intimate and profound."

About Musica Marin:
Musica Marin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events that benefit young musicians throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization award grants to Bay Area schools and nonprofit organizations that promote musical education and culture and also offers world-class concert events with internationally-renowned musicians in intimate settings that cultivate and grow audiences' awareness and participation in musical arts. Additional programs include the Young Artists Performance award, the Young American Composer's Award, the Composer-in-Residence Program and educational fund. In addition, Musica Marin partners with such esteemed organizations as The Juilliard School, Mill Valley Film Festival, San Francisco Boys Chorus and Merola Opera Program.

A detailed schedule of the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival follows:

Friday, September 21
3pm
San Francisco Bay Yacht Cruise *

The Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival kicks off with a Festival Founding Members Yacht Cruise around San Francisco Bay. Guests aboard this intimate cruise will experience a private concert by celebrated German-Italian Baritone, Marco Vassalli. Gourmet hors d'oeuvres will be provided by elite "Best of the Bay" Chef Mark Furr along with perfectly paired wines.

5:30pm *
Pre-Concert Dinner

After the Bay Cruise, Founding Festival Members will enjoy a private four-course dinner with wine pairing prepared by one of our celebrated guest chefs.

7:30pm
Opening Night Concert
St. Stephen's Church

World-renowned musicians will perform masterpieces from the chamber music repertoire including Mozart's viola quintet in B-flat minor and Johannes Brahms sextet in G-major.

Saturday, September 2
1pm
Afternoon Symposium and Concert, String Trio Giacometti
Old St. Hilary's Church

Festival guests are invited to take part in an informative discussion on the music to be performed this afternoon lead by our Festival master musicians from Europe. Trio Giacometti will perform Mozart and Sibelius.

5:30pm
Chef and Vintner Reception hosted by special guest
Liam Mayclem, KCBS "Foodie Chap"
St. Stephen's Church

Award-winning chefs will present beautifully prepared food alongside select exceptional local wines while renowned harpist, Krista Strader, serenades with an auditory backdrop that will complement and enhance the exquisite dining experience. Our special guest host for the evening is Liam Mayclem, known to legions of fans as KCBS "Foodie Chap."

8pm
Saturday Evening Festival Concert
St. Stephen's Church

The last concert of the day will be held in St. Stephen's magnificent sanctuary. We invite you to enjoy an informative Q&A with Musica Marin's Composer-in-Residence Clint Borzoni and Baritone Marco Vassalli. Our esteemed guest Marco Vassalli joins our Festival strings in the inspired performance of Samuel Barber's "Dover Beach", and Clint Borzoni's two songs for Baritone and String Quartet. The concert will end in grand style with Festival musicians performing Mendelssohn's B-flat viola quintet.

Sunday, September 22
12pm
Garden Luncheon & Intimate Outdoor Concert

Our venue is a spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate that has played host to many memorable events over the years, opening its gardens for a truly memorable afternoon. Founding Festival Members are invited to this special afternoon performance and al fresco lunch served on the grounds of this expansive estate. World-renowned Festival Cellist, Jeffrey Solow, will give a lively discussion and concert on the life and music of J.S. Bach and perform a selection his Cello Suites.

1:30pm
Wine Tasting on the Terrace

The terrace of this spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate is the venue for an afternoon of fine wines and special performance given by Simple Harmonic Motion, an a cappella quartet performing a range of music from barbershop to pop.

3pm
Festival Concert Finale

The Festival concludes at a gorgeous Tiburon estate with a combined concert by all of the Festival musicians, concluding with the magnificent Mendelssohn octet.

4:30pm
Closing Festival Party

After the concert, guests will enjoy a festive soiree to celebrate, mix and mingle with fellow attendees, chefs, festival musicians and Founding Festival Members. Enjoy scenic views of the estate, outstanding wines, and delectable bites by Chef Randy Gardner.

*Founding Festival Members Only

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