Announcing 36th Annual Chamber Music Series, October 14, 2018 - May 12, 2019

Music at Kohl Mansion has announced the lineup for its 2018-2019 season of chamber concerts in Burlingame's historic Kohl Mansion, opening Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 7 pm. The series will mark its 36th year with eight concerts, featuring five returning audience favorite ensembles and three début ensembles. Music at Kohl Mansion will welcome back the Alexander String Quartet, the Miró Quartet, the Trio con Brio Copenhagen, the Israeli Chamber Project, and the Trio Solisti. Making their débuts on the Kohl stage this season will be the Aeolus Quartet, the Music of Remembrance Ensemble, and the Gryphon Trio.

All concerts are held Sundays at 7 pm in the Great Hall at Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, and are preceded by free pre-concert talks by musicologist Kai Christiansen at 6 pm. All concerts conclude with complimentary post-concert receptions with the performers. Free Master Classes with Young Chamber Musicians will precede concerts at 5 pm on Oct. 14 & 28, Feb. 17, Mar. 24, Apr. 14, and May 12.

Chamber Series:

Sunday, October 14, 2018 - Alexander String Quartet

The 36th season opens with the perennial audience favorite and internationally critically-acclaimed Alexander String Quartet. The San Francisco-based ASQ was the first American ensemble to win the London International String Quartet Competition and has served as the Ensemble in Residence of San Francisco Performances and Directors of The Morrison Chamber Music Center at San Francisco State University since 1989. Long-time friends of Music at Kohl Mansion, the quartet members were Honorary Chairs of the 30th Anniversary season. Active on the national and international touring circuit, the quartet is always enthusiastically welcomed by Kohl audiences. Lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as "terrific of tone, virtuosity, and balance," the Alexander String Quartet will perform Mozart's String Quartet in F Major, KV 168; Penderecki's String Quartet No. 3; and Beethoven's String Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge, Op. 133.

Sunday, October 28, 2018 - Aeolus Quartet

Hailed as "clearly a string quartet to watch" (Cleveland Plain Dealer), the Aeolus Quartet, this season's Music at Kohl Discovery Artist, makes its Kohl début with an eclectic program of Classical, Romantic, American, and 20th Century works from Beethoven to Golijov. Formed in 2008 at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Aeolus Quartet is notably the Grand Prize winner of the 2011 Plowman Chamber Music Competition and 2011 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition. Additionally, the ensemble has been praised for its extensive and imaginative outreach efforts, receiving the 2013 Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association. The Quartet will perform Korngold's String Quartet No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 26; Tenebrae by Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov; American composer and Guggenheim Fellow Ben Johnston's String Quartet No. 4, Amazing Grace; and Beethoven's String Quartet in D Major, Op. 18, No. 3.

Sunday, January 27, 2019 - Music of Remembrance Ensemble: Banned, Exiled, Murdered!

The new year begins with a performance by the Music of Remembrance Ensemble. This provocatively titled concert by the Seattle-based group features music by composers whose lives, works and careers were profoundly impacted by WWII. The mission of Music of Remembrance is not only to remember the Holocaust, but also to impart vital lessons which extend to all those persecuted for their faith, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Comprised of Seattle's preeminent chamber musicians, Music of Remembrance will perform this powerful program on International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Mieczyslaw Weinberg's Aria, Op. 9 (String Quartet); Hans Krasa's Dance (String Trio); Dick Kattenburg's Escapades (Violin Duo); Erwin Schulhoff's Five Pieces for String Quartet; Gideon Klein's String Trio; and Betty Olivero's Zeks Yiddishe Lider un Tantz from The Golem(String Quartet and Clarinet). In its first Music at Kohl appearance, the Music of Remembrance Ensemble offers a program of commemoration to honor those whose suffering left a musical legacy never to be forgotten.

Sunday, February 17, 2019 - Trio con Brio Copenhagen

Trio con Brio Copenhagen enjoys international praise and a rigorous international touring schedule, and "clearly occupies a lofty perch in today's musical scene," states the Washington Post. Founded in Vienna in 1999, the trio has impressed audiences at many of the world's leading concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Concertgebouw, the Seoul Arts Center, Tivoli Concert Hall, and Wigmore Hall, and has won most of the international competitions for piano trio. As founders and artistic directors of the Copenhagen Chamber Music Festival, the trio searches for new paths and directions in chamber music. A frequent visitor to Music at Kohl in the past dozen years, the trio will perform Smetana's Piano Trio in G-minor, Op. 15; Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 97, Archduke; and a Haydn piano trio to be selected at a later date.

Sunday, March 24, 2019 - Gryphon Trio

One of the world's foremost piano trios, Canada's Gryphon Trio regularly tours North America and Europe, dazzling audiences with its spirited performances. The ensemble, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, has been awarded two Juno Awards for Classical Album of the Year as well as the 2013 Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts. The Gryphon Trio members are artists-in-residence at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music and Trinity College. With a repertoire that ranges from the traditional to the contemporary and from European classicism to modern-day multimedia, the Gryphons are known for their highly-refined, dynamic style. In its Kohl début, the trio offers three refreshing works from the late Romantic period leading into the Modern era, by three composers of vastly different backgrounds who were all innovators in their own time: Edouard Lalo's Piano Trio No. 3 in A minor, Op. 26; Dvo?ák's Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, Dumky; and English composer Rebecca Clarke's early 20th Century Piano Trio.

Sunday, April 14, 2019 - Israeli Chamber Project

Having just completed its 10th anniversary season, the Israeli Chamber Project, based in Israel and New York, returns to the Kohl stage after a standout 2016 performance. A dynamic ensemble comprised of strings, winds, and piano, ICP brings together some of today's most distinguished musicians. The Israeli Chamber Project's tours have garnered rave reviews. "These players have to be heard to be believed" boasts American Record Guide. Winners of the 2011 Israeli Ministry of Culture Outstanding Ensemble Award and the 2017 Partos Prize in recognition of their passionate musicianship, creative programming, and commitment to educational outreach, ICP will offer the Clarinet Quartet in E-Flat Major (after Violin Sonata K. 380) by Mozart/Andre; Bartók's Contrasts; Brahms' Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60; and prominent contemporary Israeli composer Yinam Leef's Triptych.

Sunday, May 12, 2019 - Trio Solisti

Named "the most exciting piano trio in America" by The New Yorker, Trio Solisti returns after six years' absence to close our season and introduce its internationally acclaimed new pianist Fabio Bidini. The trio has been impressing crowds and critics since 2001. Founding presenters of the Telluride Musicfest, Trio Solisti serves as ensemble-in-residence at New York's Adelphi University. The trio recently performed with the Wisconsin Philharmonic and appeared at Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival, the Detroit Chamber Music Society, Kansas City Friends of Chamber Music, and Chamber Music Columbus. The trio has also released numerous critically-acclaimed recordings. The closing program features Haydn's Piano Trio in C Major Hob. XV:27; Dvo?ák's Piano Trio No. 2 in G minor, Op. 26; and Brahms' Piano Trio in B Major, Op. 8.

Gala Holiday Concert:

Sunday, December 9, 2018 - Miró Quartet

The Miró Quartet returns to Kohl Mansion to celebrate the season at Music at Kohl's popular annual Holiday Gala Benefit Concert. Founded in 1995 at the Oberlin Conservatory and becoming the first ensemble ever to win the prestigious Avery Fisher Career grant in 2005, the Miró Quartet's recent highlights include critically-acclaimed international performances and a sold-out return to Carnegie Hall. Additionally, the quartet is the winner of the Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Naumburg Chamber Music Competition. Cherished by Music at Kohl audiences, the Miró has served as Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Texas at Austin's Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music since 2003. The Gala program includes the Schubert's String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major, D. 87; Janá?ek's String Quartet No. 2, Intimate Letters; and Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13. This non-subscription Gala Holiday Concert benefits Kohl for Kidsprograms, serving more than 7,000 youths annually for the past quarter century.

About Music at Kohl Mansion:

Housed in a beautiful Tudor-style estate completed in 1914 in Burlingame by Frederick Kohl (son of a wealthy business tycoon) and his wife Bessie, Music at Kohl Mansion was founded in 1983 to offer quality chamber concerts on the San Francisco Peninsula. Excellent acoustics, ideal size and the intimate atmosphere of the Mansion's Great Hall make it a superb chamber music venue.

This year marks the 36th consecutive season of world-class chamber concerts in the historic Kohl Mansion. Located just 15 miles south of San Francisco, Kohl Mansion has become a favorite destination of chamber music lovers from as far away as San Jose, Marin County and East Bay communities. A consistently outstanding quality of performers and repertoire has helped to build a loyal following for the series over the three and a half decades since its founding. Concert-goers praise the "Music at Kohl experience", distinguished not only by superb artistry, but also by the exquisite venue, casual yet elegant ambiance, affordable ticket prices, easy accessibility, free parking, friendly patrons and signature complimentary post-concert receptions after every performance. Music at Kohl Mansion has also earned a distinguished reputation among musicians as a favorite place to perform - as much for its splendid acoustics as for its warm and supportive audiences.

Music at Kohl Mansion is an independent non-profit, 501 (c) (3) charitable organization operating in collaboration with and on the campus of Mercy High School, Burlingame. Major support is provided by the Sam Mazza, Mervyn L. Brenner, and Y&H Soda Foundations, San Mateo County Arts Commission Arts Grant Program, Carlstrom Productions, Wells Fargo, the San Mateo Daily Journal and more than 200 generous individuals and local businesses.

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Pre-Concert Talks with Kai Christiansen

Music at Kohl Mansion's resident speaker and program annotator Kai Christiansen presents pre-concert talks at 6 pm prior to each concert in the Kohl Mansion's elegant library. Mr. Christiansen is a musicologist, writer and lecturer on chamber music and is the founder of earsense, an extensive online chamber music exploratorium at earsense.org. His compelling, informal style has made the talks a highly popular feature.

Public Master Classes with Young Chamber Musicians:

Since 2011, Music at Kohl Mansion has partnered with Bay Area-based Young Chamber Musicians to offer a series of admission-free public master classes. Led by Music at Kohl's distinguished concert artists, these master classes take place on concert Sundays at 5 pm in the Kohl Mansion Library. Directed by violist and chamber music coach Susan Bates, with a distinguished faculty of professional Bay Area musicians, Young Chamber Musicians offers advanced chamber music instruction and performance opportunities to string players and pianists ages 14- 20. This season, free public master classes will take place at 5 pm prior to the concerts on Oct. 14 & 27, Feb. 17, Mar. 24, Apr. 14, and May 12.

Tickets and Information:

Purchase Tickets:

Music at Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010

Phone: (650) 762-1130; Fax: (650) 343-8464

Online: www.musicatkohl.org; E-mail: info@musicatkohl.org

Chamber Series:

Subscription: (7 concerts)

Through July 15, 2018: $285 Adult; $270 Senior; $100 Gen Y&Z (30 and under)

After July 15, 2018: $300 Adult; $285 Senior; $100 Gen Y&Z (30 and under)

Single Tickets (Available after July 15)

Advance: $50 Adult; $47 Senior; $20 Gen Y&Z (30 and under)

At the door: $53 Adult; $50 Senior; $23 Gen Y&Z (30 and under)

Gala Celebration Concert:

$75 each; ($60 each for two or more tickets)

SPECIAL: $55 with full season subscription only, through July 15

All Concerts begin at 7 pm.

Free Pre-Concert Talks by musicologist Kai Christiansen at 6 pm preceding all concerts.

Free Public Master Classes with Young Chamber Musicians at 5 pm preceding preceding concerts on Oct. 14 & 27, Feb. 17, Mar. 24, Apr. 14, and May 12.

Seating is by general admission. The Box Office opens at 5:45 pm (one hour fifteen minutes prior to concert.) Call (650) 762-1130 for information about member seating benefits.

Premium Seating available for Major Donors: Call (650) 762-1130 for details.

Parking is convenient and free. Music at Kohl Mansion is wheelchair accessible.

Special Assistance: Contact the office for assistance with access requests: (650) 762-1130.

Complimentary Meet-the-Artists Reception follows every concert. Includes wine and refreshments.

Season Brochure: call (650) 762-1130 or email info@musicatkohl.org.

Further information: visit www.musicatkohl.org or call (650) 762-1130.

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