Who are we? The San Francisco Early Music Society is the Bay Area’s portal for early music, promoting engagement with historically informed performance spanning centuries and cultures, and creating a community reflective of our region’s diversity.
Our 2024-25 Season
We welcome you to embark with The San Francisco Early Music Society for Voyages—An Odyssey in Sound, our organization’s 48th concert season. First, Les Talens Lyriques, directed by internationally-renowned harpsichordist & conductor Christophe Rousset, will transport you to the heart of Versailles in the Baroque period. Our voyage continues with The Boston Camerata (We’ll be There!...) in a trailblazing exploration of the American spiritual tradition. We’ll also encounter an uncanny, upside-down world with Shira Kammen and the musicians of In Bocca al Lupo (Mundus Inversus).
Next, we spend a dramatic evening exploring the "stile moderno" of the early modern period with Quicksilver (Early Moderns: Extravagant New Music from the Seventeenth Century). We reflect on the legacy of migration with Ensemble Affect (Home Away from Home), delving into the works of composers who traveled from their home countries and settled abroad during the Baroque era. Closing the concert season is Ensemble Constantinople (Traversées) whose performance takes us on journey from from Asia, Africa, and the Americas in an intimate musical dialogue between Persian setar master Kiya Tabassian, and Senegalese kora master Ablaye Cissoko.
One week—Two unforgettable ensembles you won't want to miss!
Special Event: Quicksilver • March 24
Early Moderns: Extravagant New Music from the Seventeenth Century
Experience Quicksilver's captivating "Early Moderns" program, showcasing the emotional depth and musical innovations of the early modern period in a special one-night performance.
Ensemble Affect • March 28–30
Home Away from Home
Discover "Home Away from Home," where Baroque composers blend cultures and reflect modern immigrant stories. Experience timeless music that transcends borders!
We suggest a ticket price between $35 and $45 per ticket. Anything is appreciated, and if you can pay more, please do!
Join SFEMS for our special summer season featuring two captivating, staged performances!
First, Emperor of the Moon (June 6–8, various locations)—a stunning collaboration by Nash Baroque and Dance Through Time—blends music, historical dance, and theatrical storytelling to transport audiences to the vibrant world of early 18th-century musical theater in London.
Next, experience the sublime beauty of Secret Byrd, a uniquely immersive, theatrical staging from Concert Theatre Works and Director Bill Barclay, presented by The Gesualdo Six and Wildcat Viols in San Francisco’s breathtaking Grace Cathedral (July 17–18).
Summer Season packages now available!
Individual tickets available March 25. (Note: A limited number of Pay-What-You-Can tickets for Secret Byrd will be available May 1.)
Registration for our Summer Workshops at SFEMS is now open!
Join us for four weeks of immersive learning in the heart of downtown Berkeley, featuring internationally-renowned faculty and opportunities for all skill levels. Explore the rich world of historical music, enjoy unique annual themes, and connect with fellow musicians. Don’t miss your chance to enhance your skills and make lasting friendships—register today!
Baroque Workshop: June 16–22
Medieval/Renaissance Workshop: July 13–19
Recorder Workshop: July 20–26
Classical Workshop: July 27–August 2
Support SFEMS!
Become a member of your favorite portal to early music in the Bay Area and beyond!
Your tax-deductible donation is a vote for the future of early music.
