An improbably daring organization since its foundation in 1969, defying fiscal and marketing rules, Berkeley Symphony does not disappoint in the announcement of its 2015-2016 season.
Music director Joana Carneiro has scheduled a selection of contemporary music that few other organizations — big or small — would venture to present:
- West Coast premiere of Laterna magica by Kaija Saariaho, on the season-opener Oct. 14 program.
- U.S. premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina's Fachwerk, Dec. 3; the work features the bayan (classical accordion) and was written for Norwegian bayan pioneer Geir Draugsvoll, who makes his Bay Area debut as soloist.
- Witold Lutoslawski's Concerto for Orchestra, Feb. 4, 2016.
- West Coast premiere of Mark Grey's Frankenstein Symphony, a co-commission with Atlanta Symphony, May 5, 2016.
New works, yet to be announced, will be featured as well by the Berkeley Symphony & Friends Chamber Music Series and at Under Construction New Music Program events.
"This season marks yet another jewel in our crown," says Carneiro. “With the premieres and staples from the standard orchestral repertoire and guest solo artists of the highest caliber, we are able to shape the direction of today’s music."
Classics in the season include Berlioz’s Les nuits d'été, with Simone Osborne; Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, with Simone Porter; Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, featuring Conrad Tao's debut with the orchestra; Beethoven’s Overture to the Creatures of Prometheus; Ravel’s La Valse; Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition; Giovanni Gabrieli’s Canzon septimi et octavi toni and Sonata pian e forte for brass.
The Berkeley Symphony, says Executive Director Rene Mandel, "continues to thrive in one of the most musically vibrant parts of the country.
"We are constantly thrilled and humbled by the passion and commitment that our audiences have for both contemporary music and the greatest orchestral works in the repertoire. I am thankful to our many supporters for being a part of the Berkeley Symphony family as we further enhance and expand our contribution to this ever-changing landscape."
The organization, with an operating budget of $1.2 million in the last fiscal year, also continues with its free Family Concerts and Music in the Schools program, serving all 11 public elementary schools in Berkeley.