InterMusic — formerly San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music (SFFCM) — was founded 1998, and for the last ten years they have hosted SF Music Day to celebrate the Bay Area music community, and to encourage local audiences to explore and savor the diverse range of music being made here. Each year, the daylong festival presents dozens of ensembles performing a staggering array of repertoire, from Baroque and classical works from the canon, to contemporary compositions, innovative jazz, improvised and experimental music, and electro-acoustic music. The artists span generations and backgrounds, from seasoned and world-renowned veterans to fresh new voices at the early stages of their careers.
SF Music Day has a special focus each year, and for 2017, the theme is titled “InterMusic SF hosts Ten Years of SF Music Day: Reflections and Aspirations.” The theme will be explored via a series of informal conversations led by area artists, Paul Dresher, Tom Stone, and Anthony Brown, reflecting on the successes, struggles, and aspirations of the Bay Area’s contemporary music, jazz, and classical music communities.
Music concerts throughout the day include 155 musicians playing in 35 ensembles on four different stages. Among embarrassment of riches are Anthony Brown’s Asian American Ensemble, the Alexander String Quartet, the Real Vocal String Quartet, Paul Dresher Ensemble, Musica Pacifica, and Ensemble for These Times. For a complete schedule, visit the website.
Unlike other concerts, you are free to come and go as you please, moving between spaces and creating a personalized program for the day. With interactive music, family-friendly activities, and food trucks just outside the venue, the event will delight new listeners and seasoned concertgoers of all ages and backgrounds.
The events take place Sunday, September 24th from 12 noon–7:45 p.m. in San Francisco's historical Veterans Building, located in the Civic Center area. The SFMusic Day ensembles will perform concurrently throughout the day in the building’s four halls: Herbst Theater, Green Room, Atrium Theater, Education Studio.
