Have a Musical Mother's Day
Sunday is Mother’s Day, and what a perfect day to spend together listening to music! There is enough on offer to keep you busy so grab the family and head out to the concert hall, or stay in and enjoy.
California Youth Symphony, San Mateo Performing Arts, 2 p.m.
Northern California’s oldest independent Youth Orchestra has just celebrated beloved Maestro Leo Eyler’s 20th anniversary as conductor. In this concert little ones will enjoy the classics on the program like Dukas’ The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and also a chance to hear the “big kid” solo stars, graduating seniors Reilly Tamer on horn, and Darren Hau on violin.
Quartet San Franciso, Crowden Music Center, Berkeley, 4 p.m.
Sundays@four is a low-cost (free for under 18) and informal series that brings you up close and personal with fantastic chamber music artists. As crossover specialists, Quartet San Francisco excels in multiple styles from Franck to funk. Get to know them at the postconcert reception.
Real Vocal String Quartet, Freight & Salvage Coffee House, 8 p.m.
Another favorite cross-over string quartet, the RSQV not only excels in a plethora of styles, they can sing and play their instruments at the same time! They are founded by Irene Sazar, who was an original member of the swinging Turtle Island String Quartet. This Mother's Day show should be a treat.
From the Top on KDFC 90.3 FM (89.9 in the North Bay), 7 p.m.
A national radio and television program that showcases America’s most talented kids, often from our own backyard. Tune in to hear 12-year-old guitarist Roberto Granados from Hayward, performing several selections with Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. Jake’s YouTube video of While My Guitar Gently Weeps got six million hits!
Visit our calendar for even more concerts.
SFCM Curtain Call and Celebration for John McCarthy
This summer, San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Preparatory and Extension Division Director John McCarthy will step down from that role, and back into some old comfortable shoes, continuing as a piano teacher and performer. McCarthy began his career at the Conservatory some 35 years ago after graduating as a student. Appointed to the piano and musicianship faculties, he later assumed the position of director in 1995.
Few can combine the top-level teaching and administrative components as graciously as McCarthy. His students have received prizes at the international level, including first prizes in the Corpus Christi International Piano Competition, the Individualis (Ukraine), Khachaturian (Armenia), Scottish International, and Stravinsky International piano competitions. In 2006, McCarthy was one of three teachers of music in the country to receive a Distinguished Teacher Award from the Department of Education and the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, at a special ceremony in Washington D.C. This summer he will be joining the summer faculty of the EuroArts Festival in Germany.
Says McCarthy: “I am honored and humbled by the response to my retirement from the musical community. The creation of the John McCarthy Endowed Preparatory Scholarship is an extraordinary gesture on the part of the Conservatory and I am deeply moved. I’ll continue to teach full-time and advocate for music and music education in every respect ... and The Well Tempered Clavier is calling.” Some readers may remember John McCarthy as one of the original contributors to SFCV. Read what he says about selecting the right music teacher here.
The Conservatory invites you to John McCarthy Appreciation Day, May 21 at 11:45 a.m. at 50 Oak St. in San Francisco. A short performance is followed by a reception. Please rsvp to [email protected] or 415-503-6291
Kids Rule at Stern Grove
We all look forward to the days of summer when we can lounge with a picnic on the grass each Sunday at the Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco. This annual free series brings in thousands of sun-screen smeared patrons to the beautiful redwood grove for a tantalizing variety of jazz, world and classical music—see their season lineup here. Bring the kids early; from 12 to 1 p.m., they can participate in hands-on arts projects and programs at KidStage in the West Meadow. A different activity is featured at each concert.
In addition, Stern Grove offers Kid Days, interactive arts ed programs for kids ages 4-13, free of charge. Participants are divided into instructional groups by age and led through workshops by artist educators in such hands-on activities as salsa and flamenco dance, staging mini-operas, making music, and learning about art and culture from around the world. This summer, take advantage of sessions with the following:
Magik*Magik Orchestra, June 28, 29 and 30: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dance Mission, July 5, 6, and 7: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. San Francisco Ballet Center, July 26, 27, and 28: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, August 9, 10, and 11: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Classes are free but preregistration is required. Contact Stern Grove Festival at (415) 252-6252 or visit sterngrove.org to register.