WELCOME TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHEDULE

2008 - 2009
DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS SERIES

SAT., OCT. 4, 7:30 PM
Regents Theatre at Holy Names University, Oakland

Ritz Chamber Players
Violin, Cello, Piano, Clarinet

The nation's first chamber music ensemble comprised solely of accomplished musicians spanning the African Diaspora, the Ritz Chamber Players brings a fresh new energy to the classical music genre.

SUN., NOV.2, 4:00 PM
Scottish Rite Auditorium, Oakland

Jeanne Stark-Iochmans, Pianist

"Sensitive understanding . a high degree of virtuosity." - American Record Guide

"One of the great interpreters." - Le Parisien

SAT., NOV. 15, 7:30 PM
Regents Theatre at Holy Names University, Oakland

New Century Saxophone Quartet

Michael Stephenson, Connie Frigo, Stephen Pollock, Chris
Hemingway

This Quartet plays music from Bach and Mozart to compositions they've commissioned to broaden the saxophone quartet repertoire. "They're stimulating and refreshing. They aren't just saxophonists, they're consummate, dedicated and professional musicians that stand up to the best of chamber ensembles of any instrumentation anywhere." - Saxophone Journal

SAT., JAN. 17, 7:30 PM
Regents Theatre at Holy Names University, Oakland

Ilya Yakushev, Pianist

A native of St. Petersburg, Ilya Yakushev is a fresh and exciting new presence in the piano world. He has many awards to his credit and has already performed at major venues on three continents. "Mr. Yakushev can do just about anything he wants." - New York Times

SAT., FEB. 14 - 2:00 PM
Berkeley Piano Club, Berkeley

Martin Kasik, Pianist

Martin Kasik has received the Prix Davidoff 2000 for the best Czech
classical player under 28 years of age and the Harmonie Prize for the most successful young artist of 2002. In reviewing his CD recordings: ". They are high-powered performances, technically brilliant and freely expressive ."

"In the bravura writing he is strong, fiery and impulsive ." - Gramophone

SAT., FEB. 21, 7:30 PM
Regents Theatre at Holy Names University, Oakland

Schween/Hammond Duo

"So mellow was her playing - if a chinchilla could purr, it would sound like Astrid Schween's cello . extraordinary musical ability." - Washington Post

SUN., MAR. 8, 4:00 PM
Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Thomas Buckner Baritone

"Music of Living Composers"
The New York Times calls Tom Buckner a "pillar of the experimental musicestablishment." "A communicative interpretive style and a good command of timbre . a voice well-suited to the material he performs and sufficiently trained to make his singing fluent and smooth . an engaging presence!" - The New York Times

SAT., MAR. 28, 7:30 PM
Regents Theatre at Holy Names University

Tilden Trio

Sarn Oliver, Violin
Peter Wyrick, Cello
June Choi Oh, Piano

The Tilden Trio was created in 2004 by Juilliard schoolmates - having collaborated for decades in various ensembles starting in the Juilliard pre-college days, the Trio is dedicated to the performances of timeless masterpieces as well as exciting new contemporary works.

SUN., MAY 4, 4:00 PM
Scottish Rite Auditorium, Oakland

"W. Hazaiah Williams Memorial Concert"

Leon Bates , Pianist

"Leon Bates alone succeeded in giving the music its explosive power,
dramatic character and unmistakable color . Bates is a formidable pianist
and a virtuoso ." - La Repubblica, Rome