2024/25 Concert Season
For forty-seven seasons, SFEMS has been your portal for early music in the Bay Area. From the rarely-heard to the revolutionary; from local heroes to international stars—SFEMS provides all you expect (and more) from historically informed performance. Embark on a musical journey with our thrilling 48th season, Voyages—An Odyssey in Sound.
Our season odyssey begins and ends with two outstanding international ensembles. The French ensemble Les Talens Lyriques, directed by internationally-renowned harpsichordist & conductor Christophe Rousset, will transport you to the heart of Louis XIV’s Versailles with our season opening, one-night-only special event (The Sound of Music in Versailles, Nov. 12). Finishing our journey is Montreal-based Ensemble Constantinople, whose performance takes us on a journey through Asia, Africa, and the Americas in an intimate musical dialogue between Persian setar master Kiya Tabassian and Senegalese kora master Ablaye Cissoko (Traversées, May 9–11).
In between, our journey continues with The Boston Camerata’s trailblazing exploration of the American spiritual tradition, examining the intertwined traditions that have bound our nation together (We'll Be There! American Spirituals, Black and White, 1800–1900, Jan. 30–31). We will also encounter an uncanny world where the familiar is turned upside down, as Bay Area early music legend Shira Kammen and the musicians of In Bocca al Lupo draw upon the Roman de Fauvel and the Carmina Burana to show how things can all go topsy-turvy (Mundus Inversus, Feb. 28–Mar. 2).
Spend a dramatic evening exploring the musical innovations of the early modern period with renowned ensemble Quicksilver delving into the emotionally charged "stile moderno" (Early Moderns: Extravagant New Music from the Seventeenth Century, Mar. 24). We will also reflect the legacy of migration with Ensemble Affect, exploring the works of composers who traveled from their home countries and settled abroad during the Baroque era, mixing their native compositional styles with their new country’s traditions. (Home Away from Home, Mar. 28–30).
Up Next
Boston Camerata
We'll Be There!
American spirituals, Black and White, 1800–1900
Experience the rich tapestry of American spiritual music with the Boston Camerata! Celebrating their 70th anniversary season, the Boston Camerata continues its trailblazing exploration of American musical traditions. Drawn from early Black and white songbooks, "We'll Be There!" explores the intertwined traditions that have bound our nation together through generations of joy, sorrow, and striving.
Witness the evolution of musical styles from modal folk hymns to gospel melodies as the Boston Camerata brings this uniquely American art form to life.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 7:30 PM
First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational)
2345 Channing Way
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 7:30 PM
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
1111 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco
We suggest a ticket price between $35 and $45 per ticket. Anything is appreciated, and if you can pay more, please do!