Come hear the 20th century’s answer to the classical string quartet: the excitement and power of the modern woodwind quintet. Brash and spirited, Zephyrus Woodwinds sets out from the port of the Classical era's string quartets to embark on the 20th century's free-spirited excursions, using modern instruments from the center of the orchestra (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn).
Long-time friends who are veterans of various symphonies, opera, chamber and regional orchestras revel in their favorites scored for woodwinds from a variety of classical, opera, and world folk sources. From the avant garde to the lyrical, disruptive to pastoral, Latin folk and American hymnody, Zephyrus Woodwinds will be highlighting lauded composers who are not celebrated enough, performing a multi-cultural array of works, including by two contemporary female composers. The pieces will sing the bluesy tones of Summerland, dance the Cuban Danzón, explore medieval miniatures written for a 1939 film, celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa, and visit an American Methodist Meeting House. Some works may be a surprising bravura, a colorful stroll on a busy boulevard, a peppery dance, or a wistful gambol, and you may find yourself greeting an unexpected friend. It will definitely be an adventure to relish and share.
All this in the enchanting setting of the candle-lit Swedenborgian Church, a National Historic Monument and a unique treasure of very early Arts & Crafts architecture in America that is a perfect chamber music venue.
Profits from the monthly concert series (though October) goes to three wonderful causes: Canine Companions for Independence, which empowers people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support; Nature in the City, which engages residents in butterfly, bee, and wildlife habitat restoration projects in their San Francisco neighborhoods; and the Young Womens Choral Projects of SF, which transforms girls lives through choral music education and performance.
All of our concert-goers are invited to pre-concert reception at 6pm with wine and food, and representatives from these organizations showcase what wonderful work they do for our community.