Elevate Ensemble is determined to shake off the shackles of formal concert halls and present serious, interesting live music in social settings that foster enjoyment as much as edification. Their catchphrase is “evolving music for an evolving San Francisco,” and their stated promise is to deliver “the most creative musical minds in San Francisco, served up with food and drink, stimulating conversation, and an amazing group of friends.” Their upcoming season offers four opportunities to catch their credo in action.
The season opener is “Iconoclasts and Freethinkers,” a program dedicated to composers who “who forged unique artistic voices that challenged musical norms and enriched our lives forever.” The bill features the world premiere of a new mixed-media piece by Elevate’s composer-in-residence Julie Herndon, who is working in collaboration with projection artist Patricia Robinson on the new work. Leoš Janáček’s Mládí, Jordan Kuspa’s Flybys, and Hindemith’s Septet for Winds are also on the program.
Nov. 3, 8 p.m. at the Sol Joseph Recital Hall in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Nov. 4, 2 p.m. at the Petaluma Arts Center
Tickets are $20 for students, $30 general, and $40 for the premiere/open-bar admission.
“Low Hanging Fruit” offers a “program of virtuosic chamber works that push the performer to the extreme.” On the roster is Gyorgy Ligeti’s Etudes for Piano, widely regarded as one of the most difficult pieces of 20th-century piano music, as well as Ana Sokolović’s Vez and Bartok’s Contrasts. Michael Gilbertson’s Low Hanging Fruit gives the evening its moniker.
Feb 2, 8 p.m. at the Center for New Music
Tickets are $20 for students and C4NM members, $30 general, and $40 for the premiere/open-bar admission
A feast for all the senses, “Musical Omakase” matches three sets of music with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Sushi fans use the Japanese term “omkase” to mean “I’ll leave it up to the chef,” and it will be chef’s choice on both the music and the culinary choices for this festive evening at Casa Fulton — the program will consist of favorites chosen by Elevate’s musicians.
March 30, 6 p.m. at a private home in San Francisco (address provided to ticket holders)
Tickets are $65 all-inclusive for food, drinks, and music.
As its name suggests, “High Strung” will explore a wide variety of music for the string orchestra, especially pieces that evoke nostalgic memories of places dear to the composers of each piece. Selections include Chiayu Hsu’s Taiwan Miniatures, Sahba Amanikia’s One Day; Tehran, Charles Ives’s Hymn: Largo Cantabile, plus new work from Minho Yoon, composer-in-residence Julie Herndon, and the winner of Elevate Ensemble’s annual call-for-scores competition.
May 11, 8 p.m. at SOMArts
May 12, 2 p.m. at Petaluma Arts Center
Tickets are $20 for students, $30 general, and $40 for the premiere/open-bar admission.
More information for all events is available at the Elevate Ensemble events page.
