SFCM Announces 2025-2026 Live Performances: Showcasing the Future of Music
The biggest season yet! First-of-their-kind performances, exciting repertoire, thrilling opera and musical theatre productions, and hundreds of student concerts make up this vibrant school year, where more than 95% of performances are free and open to the public!
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is back in session and so is its free concert series, spotlighting the exceptional artistry of students and renowned guest artists. SFCM is pleased to announce its 2025-26 full concert series, its biggest yet, featuring several exciting collaborations and performances designed to dazzle audiences. SFCM puts on more than 500 free performances a year, reserve a seat today!
The SFCM Orchestra's season includes five exciting concerts led by the Conservatory's Music Director and conductor Edwin Outwater, opening the season with the ethereal and intimate Prélude à l’après-midi d’une faune by Claude Debussy. Other exciting classical works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Johannes Brahms, Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, and Ludwig van Beethoven fill out the season, as well as thrilling contemporary works by John Adams, Vivian Fung, and SFCM’s own David Conte.
SFCM's popular "Chamber Music Tuesday" concert series returns this year with a roster of exciting guest artists including one of Gramophone's Young Artists of the Year, SFCM Pre-College alum violinist Stella Chen, as well as one of today's most compelling flutists, Demarre McGill, internationally known violinist Jonathan William Brown, principal cellist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Clive Greensmith, and Opus 3 and Askonas Holt Artist Inon Barnatan. Each event is presented in collaboration with SFCM alumni, faculty, and students.
This fall, SFCM’s Opera and Musical Theatre program presents a chilling presentation of The Turn of the Screw, by Benjamin Britten—an eerie adaptation of Henry James' groundbreaking novel that follows a young governess who becomes convinced the children in her care are being haunted. This haunting score is noted for its psychological depth that captures the opera's atmosphere of suspense.
In October, GRAMMY-Award winning pianist, arranger, and Askonas Holt Artist, Craig Terry, visits SFCM for a Voice Department residency culminating in a one-night-only performance titled Beyond the Aria. If you're an opera lover, don't miss this program featuring SFCM voice students performing alongside world-renowned soprano and Opus 3 Artist, Christine Goerke.
In a first-time collaboration, this spring the SFCM Orchestra will perform in Stewart Copeland's Police Deranged for Orchestra at SFJAZZ Center under the direction of Edwin Outwater for two performances. This high energy orchestral performance will feature more than two dozen SFCM students who join the legendary drummer to perform his unique "derangements" of classic songs from his iconic band The Police.
Other spring presentations include Jules Massenet’s Cendrillon, a romantic and magical re-telling of the fairytale Cinderella. In April, Historical Performance Opera presents George Frideric Handel’s Alcina, about a dangerous enchantress who bewitches every man that lands on her island.
This school year also showcases a set of Faculty Artist Series concerts that feature SFCM’s lauded faculty with a full program of their choosing. The star-studded musicians include Corey Jamason, Yubeen Kim, Nancy Zhou, Lester Lynch, Sarah Cahill, David Conte, Jason Hainsworth, Amos Yang, Marc Teicholz, David Garner, and Jennifer Ellis.
Several of this season's concerts showcase prominent artists represented on the rosters of Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists, management companies acquired in recent years by SFCM. These organizations, along with the award-winning Pentatone Records, form SFCM’s unique and growing Alliance which enhances the student experience at SFCM.
Music fans are invited to attend these concerts and others at the Ann Getty Center for Education and the Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for Performing Arts or the Bowes Center—inaugurated in fall 2021—where 95% of concerts are free and open to the public. While concerts are at no cost, many concerts will reach capacity quickly, concert goers are encouraged to reserve seats early.
New this year, select SFCM concerts will offer concessions to the public. This is in addition to the Uccello Lounge, the full restaurant and bar found on the first floor of SFCM’s Bowes Center, which often features free live music!
Calendar listings are below. Some events require ticketing and, continuing this season, patrons can reserve tickets online using SFCM’s website. Please see SFCM’s performance calendar for a complete concert schedule and to register for attendance.
Details and programs are subject to change.
Edwin Outwater conducts the SFCM Orchestra.
SFCM Orchestra with Edwin Outwater
Saturday, September 27th, 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Edwin Outwater, conductor
Program:
David Conte: Sinfonietta
Claude Debussy: Iberia
Claude Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi d’une faune
Witold Lutosławski: Concerto for Orchestra
The Orchestra opens its exciting season with Composition Chair David Conte’s evocative Sinfonietta in a celebration of the long-time faculty member’s birthday. Prélude à l’après-midi d’une faune is one of Debussy’s most famous works while Iberia is a vibrant and evocative piece that vividly portrays Spanish scenes and atmosphere through his signature impressionistic style. This concert also features student guest conductor Chih-Yao Chang.
SFCM student Zoe Yost.
Concerto Competition Winner’s Concert
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Cristina Villalobos, soprano
Zoe Yost, viola
Program:
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: The Bamboula
Hector Berlioz: Les nuits d'ete
Bela Bartók: Viola Concerto
Concerto Competitions are an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities as a soloist. Music Director of the Oakland Symphony Kedrick Armstrong conducts as winners Cristina Villalobos and Zoe Yost perform Hector Berlioz’ Les nuits d'ete and Bela Bartók’s Viola Concerto.
SFCM Baroque Orchestra
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Corey Jamason, director
Elisabeth Reed, director
Program:
Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for Strings and Continuo in C Major, RV 114
Giuseppe Torelli: Concerto in D Minor, Op. 6 No. 10
Andrè Campra: Suite from Le Carnaval de Venise
A celebration of Venetian music, the centerpiece of this performance is a suite of dance music from Andrè Campra’s ground-breaking 1699 Venetian opera-ballet Le Carnaval de Venise. A soulful concerto by Verona and Bologna-based composer Giuseppe Torelli and a brilliant concerto for strings by Vivaldi rounds out the program.
About Historical Performance at SFCM
Demarre McGill
Chamber Music Tuesday with Demarre McGill
Tuesday, October 14th, 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Demarre McGill, flute
Program:
Allison Loggins-Hull: Hammers for Flute and Percussion Trio
Alyssa Morris: Motion for Woodwind Quartet
John Corigliano: Three Irish Song Settings for Soprano and Flute
Miguel Del Aguila: Submerged for Flute, Viola, and Harp
Valerie Coleman: Maombi Asante for Flute, Violin, and Cello
Amy Beach: Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet
Erberk Eryılmaz: Raki Havasi for Woodwind Quintet and Duval
Demarre McGill is internationally recognized as one of today's most compelling flutists as well as celebrated for his lyrical expressiveness and technical prowess. Currently serving as the principal flute of the Seattle Symphony, McGill has also appeared as a soloist with many of the nation’s leading orchestras. This performance is presented in collaboration with SFCM alumni, faculty, and students.
Wind Ensemble Concert with Brad Hogarth
SFCM Wind Ensemble Director Brad Hogarth.
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Brad Hogarth, conductor
Aaron Schuman, trumpet
Program:
Michael Tilson Thomas: Lope
Shuying Liu: In This Breath
Oskar Böhme: Concerto for Trumpet & Wind Ensemble
Michael Gilbertson: Usonian Dwellings
Percy Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy
Brad Hogarth leads SFCM’s Wind Ensemble as it welcomes San Francisco Symphony trumpeter Aaron Schuman for a special concert which begins with lauded conductor, composer, and SFCM faculty Michael Tilson Thomas’ Lope. Contemporary works by Shuying Liu, Michael Gilbertson, and Percy Grainger’s whimsical Lincolnshire Posy fill out this exciting concert.
About Brad Hogarth
About Aaron Schuman
Craig Terry (Credit: Simon Pauly).
Craig Terry: Beyond the Aria
Saturday, October 25th 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Craig Terry, piano
Christine Goerke, soprano
GRAMMY-Award winning pianist, arranger, and Askonas Holt Artist Craig Terry visits SFCM for a Voice Department residency culminating in a one-night-only performance titled "Beyond the Aria." If you're an opera lover, don't miss this program featuring SFCM voice students performing alongside world-renowned soprano and Opus 3 Artist Christine Goerke.
In addition to this concert, a limited number of tickets are available for a pre-concert dinner, and post-concert reception inside SFCM’s Bowes Center.
Reserved Seating $175
- A pre-concert three-course dinner with curated wine pairings in Uccello Lounge
- Reserved seating for the performance
- Post-show reception with the artists
General Seating $50
- General admission for the performance
- Post-show reception with the artists
About Craig Terry
About Christine Goerke
Chamber Music Tuesday with Jonathan Brown
Jonathan Brown.
Tuesday, November 11th, 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Jonathan Brown, viola
Program:
J. S. Bach: Art of Fugue, No. 1
György Kurtág: Aus der Ferne III
J. S. Bach: Art of Fugue, No. 7
Shulamit Ran: Bach-Shards
J. S. Bach: Art of Fugue, No. 10
Sofia Gubaidulina: Reflections on the Theme B-A-C-H
J. S. Bach: Art of Fugue, No. 14
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet, Op. 95
Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet, Op. 44
Jonathan Brown was the violist of the Cuarteto Casals, with whom he performed in all of the major concert halls in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as making numerous recordings on the Harmonia Mundi label including repertoire ranging from Bach through Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven to Bartók, Ligeti and Shostakovich. This performance is presented in collaboration with SFCM alumni, faculty, and students.
Eric Choate.
SFCM Conservatory Chorus
Friday, November 14th, 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Eric Choate, director
The Conservatory Chorus, led by director Eric Choate, enhances students' musicianship, intonation, and balance skills through choral singing. The Chorus has also collaborated with renowned ensembles like Chanticleer and performed with the California Symphony and the SFCM Orchestra.
Earl Lee.
SFCM Orchestra with Guest Conductor Earl Lee
Saturday, November 15th, 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Earl Lee, conductor
Oliver Moore, piano
Program:
Vivian Fung: Aqua
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11
The SFCM Orchestra presents Aqua, composed by Canadian Vivian Fung and inspired by one of Chicago’s most eye-catching skyscrapers, the Aqua Tower. This concert also features Tchaikovsky’s popular Piano Concerto No. 1 and concludes with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11, a vivid and descriptive work often described as a film score without a film. This concert features guest conductor Earl Lee, SFCM conducting student Jason Gluck as well as SFCM Piano Concerto Competition winner Oliver Moore.
Corey Jamason
Faculty Artist Series: Corey Jamason, Historical Performance
Monday, November 17th, 7:30 PM
Sol Joseph Recital Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Corey Jamason, harpsichord
Program:
J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1
Prelude and Fugue in B Major, BWV 868
Prelude and Fugue in F# Major, BWV 858
J.S. Bach: Clavier-Übung II: Overture in the French Style, BWV 831
J.S. Bach: Selections from 15 Sinfonias
J.S. Bach: Capriccio ‘sopra la lontananza del fratello dilettissimo’, BWV 992
Antonio Vivaldi/J.S. Bach: Concerto in D Major, BWV 972
Chair of Historical Performance and Co-Director of SFCM Baroque Orchestra Corey Jamason is a GRAMMY-nominated harpsichordist whose playing of Bach was described in the Los Angeles Times as displaying "the careful, due balance of objective detachment and lofty passion."
SFCM Opera and Musical Theatre Presents The Turn of The Screw
Thursday, November 20th at 7:30 PM and Friday November 21st at 7:30 PM
Heather Mathews, director
Michael Christie, conductor
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Program:
The Turn of The Screw by Benjamin Britten
The Turn of The Screw is a chilling psychological thriller based on Henry James's novella. The story follows a young governess who, caring for two children at a remote country house, becomes convinced they are being haunted. GRAMMY-winning Michael Christie conducts this double-cast production, performed with the SFCM Orchestra.
About Opera and Musical Theatre
About Heather Mathews
About Michael Christie
Faculty Artist Series: David Conte, Composition
SFCM Composition Chair David Conte.
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Eric Choate, conductor
Jeffrey Thomas, conductor
Nebula Consort
Brian Thorsett, tenor
Christian Pursell, baritone
Matt Boehler, bass
Program:
David Conte: Lincoln (World Premiere)
Text by John Stirling Walker
David Conte: A Christmas Carol (World Premiere)
(Opera in Two Acts based on the novella by Charles Dickens. Libretto by Nicholas Giardini)
Composition Chair David Conte is the composer of more than 200 published works, including seven operas, works for chorus, solo voice, orchestra, band, and chamber music.
Chamber Music Tuesday with Inon Barnatan
Tuesday, December 9th, 7:30 PM
Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artist Inon Barnatan.
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Inon Barnatan, piano
Esme Quartet
Program to include:
Juri Seo: String Quartet (World Premiere)
Antonin Dvořák: Piano Quintet No. 2, Op. 81
Acclaimed by The New York Times as “One of the most admired pianists of his generation” Inon Barnatan returns to SFCM for a special performance. A multifaceted musician, Barnatan is equally celebrated as soloist, curator and collaborator. Barnatan is an Opus 3 and Askonas Holt Artist, part of SFCM’s growing alliance. This performance is presented in collaboration with SFCM alumni, faculty, and students.
This concert includes a special pre-concert dinner hosted in Uccello Lounge, the full bar and restaurant located in SFCM’s Bowes Center. Tickets for this exciting event will be available soon!
About Inon Barnatan
About the Esmé Quartet
Faculty Artist Series: Yubeen Kim, Flute
Monday, December 15th, 7:30 PM
Yubeen Kim.
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Yubeen Kim, flute
Julin Cheung, flute
Yu-Hsin Galaxy Su, piano
Program:
Philippe Gaubert: Sicilienne, Berceuse
C.P.E. Bach: Trio Sonata in D minor
Franz Doppler: Andante et Rondo
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Flute Duet No. 4 in F Major
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arr. Braunstein: Lensky's Aria from Eugene Onegin
Sergei Prokofiev: Flute in D Major
Principal Flute of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra since January 2024, SFCM faculty Yubeen Kim has been praised worldwide for his musical prowess and a tone described as "unimaginably rich [and] robust at its heart" (The San Francisco Chronicle).
Faculty Artist Series: Nancy Zhou, Violin
Monday, January 26th, 2026 7:30 PM
Nancy Zhou
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Nancy Zhou, violin
Jeffrey Kahane, piano
Program:
Johannes Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major
Clara Schumann: Three Romances, Op.22
J.S. Bach: Violin Sonata No. 3 in E Major
Ferruccio Busoni: Violin Sonata No. 2 in E minor
Known for her thoughtful musicianship and probing musical voice, Nancy Zhou resonates with audiences worldwide. More than 20 years since her orchestral debut, Nancy has collaborated with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Munich Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, and San Diego Symphony, among others.
Faculty Artist Series: Lester Lynch, Voice
Lester Lynch.
Monday, February 2nd, 2026, 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Recognized globally for his rich, powerful voice that commands the stage, baritone Lester Lynch has established a place in the classical music world as one of the most in-demand artists of the 21st century. As an accomplished concert artist, Lynch has performed a wide variety of roles with orchestras around the world, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra New York Philharmonic, Opera Philadelphia, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
Faculty Artist Series: Sarah Cahill, Music History and Literature
Sarah Cahill at NPR. (Credit: Michael Zamorra)
Monday, February 9th, 2026, 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Sarah Cahill, piano
Program to include:
Robert Helps: Hommage à Rachmaninoff
Maurice Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin
Hailed as “a sterling pianist and an intrepid illuminator of the classical avant-garde” by The New York Times, Sarah Cahill has commissioned and premiered over seventy compositions for solo piano. In 2023 Cahill was featured in one of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts playing selections from her album trilogy The Future is Female.
Opera and Musical Theatre Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Friday, February 20th, 2026 7:30 PM and Saturday February 21st, 2026, 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Michael Mohammed, director
Michael Horsley, conductor
Get ready for a night full of laughter, heart, and a little bit of friendly competition! This Tony Award-winning musical follows an eclectic group of middle schoolers as they compete for the ultimate prize: the title of spelling bee champion. Featuring a double SFCM cast and performed with the SFCM Orchestra.
About Michael Mohammed
About Michael Horsley
About Opera and Musical Theatre
New Music Ensemble with Nicole Paiement
Nicole Paiement
Friday, February 27, 2026 7:30 PM
Nicole Paiement, conductor
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Program to include:
Inbal Segev: Postcards to Jerusalem (World Premiere)
Billy Childs: A Day in the Forest of Dreams
Jake Heggie: From the Book of Nightmares (World Premiere)
SFCM’s New Music Ensemble performs a variety of works written in the 20th and 21st centuries in concert each year under the baton of Nicole Paiement, an internationally acclaimed conductor, celebrated for her expertise in contemporary opera and her commitment to premiering new works.
About Nicole Paiement
About New Music Ensemble
Faculty Artist Series: Amos Yang, Cello
Monday, March 2nd, 2026 7:30 PM
Amos Yang.
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Amos Yang, cello
John Wilson, piano
Program:
Ennio Morricone: Selected Works
Niccolò Paganini: Moto perpetuo
Niccolò Paganini: Selected Caprices
Johannes Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 2
Giuseppe Valentini: Cello Sonata Op. 8, No. 10
J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 2
Assistant Principal Cello of the San Francisco Symphony since 2007, Yang was born and raised in the fog. Part of his journey as a cellist was nurtured at Davies Symphony hall, where he was a member of the SF Symphony Youth Orchestra. Yang has been on SFCM faculty since 2018.
Chamber Music Tuesday with SFCM Honors Ensembles
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
The popular series is led and curated by Dimitri Murrath, SFCM's Chair of String and Piano Chamber Music, it features performances with SFCM students, faculty, and acclaimed guest artists.
About String and Piano Chamber Music
TAC Student Showcase
Friday, March 6, 2026, 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Featuring various students and repertoire, and curated by the faculty, performances in this recital highlight the SFCM Technology and Applied Composition program.
About Technology and Applied Composition (TAC)
Faculty Artist Series: Marc Teicholz, Guitar
Marc Teicholz.
Monday, March 9th, 2026, 7:30 PM
Sol Joseph Recital Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Marc Teicholz, guitar
Eric Zivian, piano
Program:
Frédéric Chopin: 24 Preludes, Op. 28
Sérgio Assad: 24 Preludios Chopinianos
Heralded by the Los Angeles Times as “technically gifted and musical to the core,” Teicholz is an active performer, recording artist, chamber musician, and teacher at SFCM since 1992. Teicholz was awarded first place in the 1989 International Guitar Foundation of America Competition, the largest, most prestigious contest of its kind in the United States.
Opera and Musical Theatre Presents Cendrillon
Friday, March 13th, 2026 7:30 PM and Saturday March 14th, 2026 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Cendrillon by Jules Massenet
Peter Kazaras, director
Ari Pelto, conductor
Cendrillon is Jules Massenet’s romantic and magical retelling of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella with a stronger, and more human titular character. This production will be directed by longtime artistic director and opera singer, Peter Kazaras, with conducting by Ari Pelto, the principal conductor and artistic advisor of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. Featuring a double SFCM cast and performed with the SFCM Orchestra.
About Ari Pelto
About Peter Kazaras
About Opera and Musical Theatre
Faculty Artist Series: David Garner, Composition
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 7:30 PM
David Garner composition
Sol Joseph Recital Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Christine Abraham, mezzo-soprano
Dale Tsang, piano
Victoria Hauk, flute and alto flute
Laura Reynolds, oboe and English horn
Jennifer Ellis, harp
Program:
David Garner: Trio for Five Instruments, No. 2 (World Premiere)
David Garner: Cinco Poemas de Jaime Manrique
Drawing from classical, neoclassical, jazz, rock, blues, and non-Western traditions, the music of David Garner reflects a unique blend that exists beyond genre. This performance features the world premiere of Trio for Five Instruments, No. 2 as well asCinco Poemas de Jaime Manrique. Garner has taught composition, chamber music, music literature, and music theory at SFCM since 1979.
SFCM Orchestra with Edwin Outwater
Edwin Outwater.
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 7:30 PM
Edwin Outwater, conductor
Jeehin Kim, violin
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Program:
Pierre Fontaine: Ancient Dances in Modern Times (World Premiere)
Maurice Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin
Jean Sibelius: The Oceanides
Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto
This concert features the world premiere of Highsmith winner Pierre Fontaine’s Ancient Dances in Modern Times. The Highsmith Award, endowed by Jim Highsmith, is the Conservatory’s top composition prize. Maurice Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin features six movements, all based on traditional dance movements from the French Baroque suite: Prélude, Fugue, Forlane, Rigaudon, Menuet, and Toccata and is dedicated to the memory of his friends lost in the first World War. Jean Sibelius wrote The Oceanides for his one and only trip to the United States in 1914 meanwhile Sibelius’ Violin Concerto is noted for its rhapsodic nature and technical challenges, all of which are dear to violinists. This concert features concert competition winner Jeehin Kim and student conductor Jason Gluck.
Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged with the SFCM Orchestra
Friday, April 10th, 2026 7:30 PM and Saturday, April 11th, 2026 7:30 PM
Tickets for the April 11th performance will go on sale August 21, 2025
Miner Auditorium
201 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA
Under the direction of Edwin Outwater, Stewart Copeland’s Police Deranged for Orchestra is a high energy orchestral evening featuring more than two dozen SFCM students who join the legendary drummer to perform his unique "derangements" of classic songs from his iconic band The Police. This concert will be an evening bursting with hits including "Roxanne," "Don’t Stand So Close To Me," and "Message in a Bottle," as well as celebrating Copeland’s long career in the music industry.
Chamber Music Tuesday with Clive Greensmith
Clive Greensmith.
Tuesday April 14th, 2026 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Clive Greensmith, cello
Program:
Claude Debussy: Cello Sonata
Jean Sibelius: String Quartet, Op. 56, ‘Voces intimae’
Johannes Brahms: String Quintet, Op. 88
Chamber Music Tuesday welcomes celebrated cellist Clive Greensmith. From 1999 until its final season in 2013, Clive Greensmith was a member of the world-renowned Tokyo String Quartet, giving over one hundred performances each year in the most prestigious international venues. This performance is presented in collaboration with SFCM alumni, faculty, and students.
SFCM Historical Performance Presents Alcina
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 7:30 PM and Sunday, April 19th, 2026 2:00 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Alcina by George Frideric Handel
Corey Jamason, director and conductor
Elisabeth Reed, director
Marcie Stapp, director and diction coach
Told with some of Handel’s most delightful music, Alcina is the story of an enchantress who uses her magical powers to bewitch a young knight and keep him captive on her island in a wild, messy story of love and deception. This production is presented by the SFCM Historical Performance program and features students from both the Voice program and Baroque Ensemble.
About Corey Jamason
About Elisabeth Reed
About Historical Performance
Roots, Jazz, and American Music Big Band Concert with Billy Childs
Billy Childs.
Thursday, April 30th, 2026 7:30 PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Ute and William K. Bowes Jr. Center for Performing Arts
Jason Hainsworth, director
Billy Childs, piano
Program to include:
Jordyn Davis: Untitled New Work (EBCP Commission and World Premiere)
Billy Childs: Labyrinth
Billy Childs: Do You Know My Name?
Six-time Grammy-winning composer and jazz pianist Billy Childs performs at SFCM in a special concert with Roots, Jazz and American Music faculty and students. This concert also features the world premiere of a musical work by Jordyn Davis, one of the winners of the Emerging Black Composers Project.
About Jason Hainsworth
About Billy Childs
About Jordyn Davis
About Roots, Jazz and American Music
SFCM Orchestra with Edwin Outwater
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Esme Quartet
Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven: Overture to King Stephen
John Adams: Absolute Jest
Silvestre Revueltas: Sensemayá
Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
The final SFCM Orchestra concert of the season showcases the majestic and spirited Overture to King Stephen by Beethoven as well as other famous works by John Adams, Silvestre Revueltas, and Igor Stravinsky. This concert also features the Esmé Quartet, praised for their warm sound and powerful stage presence. This performance also features student conductors Jason Gluck and Chih-Yao Chang.
About Edwin Outwater
About the Esmé Quartet
Faculty Artist Series: Jennifer Ellis, Harp
Jennifer Ellis.
Sol Joseph Recital Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Jennifer Ellis, harp
Program to include:
Jennifer Ellis: Laba: A Broken Harp
Elinor Armer: Oasis
David Conte: Marian Variations
David Garner: Three Spacetimes
David Garner: My Right Foot (World Premiere)
Jennifer Ellis: Sewing Circle (World Premiere)
Harpist Jennifer Ellis is a dynamic contemporary performer who thoroughly enjoys defying traditional expectations of harp playing. It is in that spirit that she became the first harpist ever named a One Beat fellow–a cultural diplomacy program of the U.S. State Department in conjunction with Found Sound Nation
SFCM Opera and Musical Theatre Presents: Season Finale Opera Showcase
Thursday, May 7th 2026 7:30 PM and Friday, May 8th 2026 7:30 PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Ann Getty Center for Education
Heather Mathews, director
Dana Sadava, conductor
Program:
Giacomo Puccini: La Rondine: Act I
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro: Act IV
SFCM Opera and Musical Theatre presents beloved acts from the elegant romance of La Rondine by Puccini as well as the comedic Le Nozze di Figaro, known for its witty plot, beautiful arias, and intricate ensembles. Featuring a double cast and performed with SFCM orchestra students.
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