Avedis Chamber Music Series celebrates its 28th season with fourm Sunday afternoon concerts in the Legion of Honor in San Francisco — Jan. 20, Feb. 10, March 17, and April 28. Entry to the museum is included with concert tickets, which range from $16 to $22.
On the program: Bach, Vivaldi, Ravel, Poulenc, and more, performed by some of Bay Area's prominent musicians. Among Avedis' unusual offerings: Andreas Jakob Romberg's Quintet in D Major, Op. 41 No. 2; André Jolivet's Petite Suite; Jean-Michel Damase's Quintet; Louise Farrenc's Sextet in C Minor, Op. 40; Leland Cossart's Suite, Op. 19; and Jean Françaix's Hommage à l’ami Papageno.
Founded by flutist Alexandra Hawley in 1985 as a tribute to the late pianist Robert Avedis Hagopian (Avedis means "good news" in Armenian), the ensemble's attraction for participants seems irresistible.
On this season alone, the amazing lineup includes SFS pianist Robin Sutherland, pianist and violist Paul Hersh, S.F. Ballet Orchestra concertmaster Roy Malan, and Stanford Woodwind Quintet members Hawley, oboist James Matheson, clarinetist Mark Brandenburg, hornist Lawrence Ragent, and bassoonist Rufus Olivier.
Ives Quartet members violinist/violist Susan Freier and cellist Stephen Harrison are joined by harpist Emily Laurance, soprano Shawnette Sulker, tenor Michael Dailey, baritone Daniel Cilli, flutist Beverly Radin, oboist Peter Lemberg, clarinetist Gregory Dufford, and hornist Eric Achen.