What’s cool about this evening:

• Music Director Edwin Outwater will lead the orchestra.
• Interdisciplinary artist PaviElle French’s Soul Symphony, A Requiem for Zula, which honors her mother, Zula Young, as well as Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood where she grew up (watch video to learn more). PaviElle will be featured as a guest artist and sing in this piece.
• Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Something for the Dark which is inspired by the resilience of the city of Detroit.

Edwin Outwater, conductor

Sarah Kirkland Snider (b. 1973)
Something for the Dark

PaviElle French (b. 1984)
A Requiem for Zula
PaviElle French, solo vocalist

Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
First Essay for Orchestra, Op. 12
conducted by David Baker (’23)

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Appalachian Spring Suite (Large Orchestra Version)

This concert is dedicated to the memory of Michael Morgan.

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Get to know Edwin Outwater:

Considered “one of the most innovative conductors on the scene today,” Edwin Outwater works with orchestras and institutions throughout the world, producing, curating, and conducting unique concert experiences. He frequently premieres new works and connects audiences with repertoire beyond the mainstream. Recent wide-ranging projects include collaborations with Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, John Lithgow, and Metallica. Outwater has a long association with the San Francisco Symphony. He regularly conducts and curates their SoundBox series, and has conducted and hosted “Holiday Gaiety”, an LGBTQ holiday concert he created with drag performer Peaches Christ. He was Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra leading them on a highly acclaimed European tour, and also served as San Francisco Symphony Director of Summer Concerts. Outwater is Music Director Laureate of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, where he returns regularly. Recent guest appearances include the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony, Brussels Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.

About the SFCM Orchestra:

As a member of the SFCM Orchestra, you’ll experience firsthand the advantages of playing in a large ensemble. You’ll also get a complete overview of orchestral repertoire, and that begins with examining both masterworks and lesser-known pieces of every era. The symphony orchestra has a large repertoire, and each stylistic period deserves attention. Do you take to the classical period works of Mozart and Haydn? The grand romantic works of Brahms and Tchaikovsky? How about the 20th-century masterpieces by Aaron Copland and Benjamin Britten? Add to that more recent works by such luminaries as John Adams and Joan Tower, and collaborations with Opera Theatre, and you’re on your way to becoming the well-rounded, informed musician the performing world expects.

The SFCM Orchestra presents several performances a year that prominently feature student soloists. Participation also includes public orchestral workshops with distinguished guest conductors. Recent guests have included Donald Runnicles, Carl St. Clair, Nicola Luisotti, and Peter Oundjian.

View SFCM's Event Health and Safety policy

The health and safety of the SFCM community and its patrons is of the highest priority. To help maintain a safe environment on campus for the SFCM community, and in adhering to San Francisco city guidelines, patrons are required to show proof of full vaccination to attend SFCM events. Please visit https://sfcm.edu/about-us/covid-19-information/event-health-safety to read the SFCM's full Event Health & Safety policy.