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Symphonix Winter Newsletter 2009: Explore Expand Exchange

EXPLORE… the music

DAVIES AFTER HOURS

Back by popular demand, the San Francisco Symphony presents Davies After Hours. Part performance, part soiree, this one-of-a-kind series offers Symphonix members the opportunity to explore genres of popular music that reflect on the evening's classical program in a sophisticated, club-like atmosphere.

Symphonix members will enjoy a VIP lounge where they can exchange ideas and impressions post-performance.  Take in the view on the transformed second tier while sipping specialty cocktails and enjoying music designed to expand on the evening’s concert. 

Davies After Hours is complimentary to Symphony ticket holders - and Symphonix members are eligible to purchase tickets at 25% off the full ticket price for the Davies After Hours concert dates:

Friday, January 15: George Benjamin conducts the SF Symphony, followed by the John Santos Sextet.   

Allow the magnetism of 20th century French composers to draw you into the Symphony’s program, conducted by George Benjamin.  Experience the charm of Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, the exoticism of his Rapsodie espagnole, and the birds singing in Messiaen’s Oiseaux exotiques. This program also features two works by Messiaen’s favorite student – George Benjamin.

Then, head upstairs to experience the sounds of the John Santos Sextet.  The four time Grammy Award ® nominee leads his sextet in a night of fiery Latin Jazz music in a musical response to the San Francisco Symphony’s performance.

Friday, April 2: Vasily Petrenko conducts Grieg and Shostakovich, followed by Adam Theis and an All-Star Jazz Mafia Ensemble

Experience Vasily Petrenko conducting Grieg and Shostakovich.  Trpčeski shines in Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Among the 20th century’s greatest symphonists, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony is a tragic, thought-provoking, and unforgettable response to the devastation of World War II.

Then, head upstairs to experience composer, conductor, bass, and trombone player Adam Theis and the All-Star Jazz Mafia Ensemble, fusing elements of jazz, electronics, and hip-hop in response to the San Francisco Symphony’s performance. This specially convened 12-piece band of piano, bass, drums, horns, and violins has been culled from the many talented musicians making up the greater Jazz Mafia collective.

Friday, June 11: Beethoven's Violin Concerto, followed by Amy X Neuburg and the Cello ChiXtet

Beethoven's Violin Concerto proves there’s never too much of a good thing. Berg’s riveting suite from his unfinished opera Lulu will have you at the edge of your seat.

Then, head upstairs to experience Amy X Neuburg combining witty and provocative lyrics with the sounds of the Cello ChiXtet to explore connections between classical, experimental, and popular music, and create what they describe as “avant-cabaret.”  The perfect artistic response to the evening’s Symphony concert.

To purchase tickets for Davies After Hours concert dates, click here to purchase online, or order at the Box Office by calling (415) 864-6000 and use the promotion code SYMPHX50 to take advantage of exclusive Symphonix pricing. Symphonix has reserved Upper Orchestra seating available for each of the Davies After Hours concert dates - reserve your tickets before December 31 to ensure seating in this section.

 

EXCLUSIVE RATES ON SELECT 2010 CONCERTS

Symphonix is thrilled to offer its members a 25% discount on tickets to the following concerts:

January 8: New Music by Composer George Benjamin with the San Francisco Symphony

An evening of colorful music that really moves, this concert will feature two captivating works by the English composer George Benjamin. Experience the joy of his Jubilation and the swing of his Dance Figures. See why this composer has been a sensation since his debut at age twenty.  Prior to the performance, the conductor will briefly share unique perspectives on the composer, the work, and its place in musical history.   
For more information, visit: http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=35880

March 12: MTT conducts Mahler's Resurrection Symphony

Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an orchestral and choral showpiece. It traverses a spectrum of sound and emotion and culminates in a vision of eternity.  Prior to the performance, the conductor will briefly share unique perspectives on the composer, the work, and its place in musical history.  

For more information, visit:  http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=35890

April 21: Bernard Labadie conducts Mozart and Mendelssohn

Mozart’s gifts as a symphonist are well known. The San Francisco Symphony presents two of the composer’s later symphonies: Haffner, and his last, Jupiter. With their clarity and passion, you will see why Mozart’s final symphonies are held in high esteem as quintessential examples of the Classical style.  At this Volunteer Council Night, members of the Volunteer Council are celebrated for their dedicated service to the San Francisco Symphony.

For more information, visit: http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=35634

May 7: Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2

Brahms worried about comparisons with Beethoven, the great master, but let his music speak for itself. Hear David Fray play Beethoven’s graceful Piano Concerto No. 2, and then hear how far Brahms had come from Beethoven in his own “pastoral” symphony.  Prior to the performance, the conductor will briefly share unique perspectives on the composer, the work, and its place in musical history.  

For more information, visit http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=35902

To take advantage of this exclusive pricing, enter the promotion code volunteer25 when you purchase tickets online, or when you order at the Box Office by calling (415) 864-6000. Contact membership@sfsymphonix.org chairs for details.


EXPAND… your involvement

ORCHESTRATING COMMUNITY: CONCERTS FOR KIDS

This season, Symphonix is partnering with the San Francisco Symphony to bring music to schoolchildren in our local community. Symphonix will sponsor classes at Everett Middle School and Horace Mann School in San Francisco to participate in the Symphony’s Concerts for Kids program. 

Concerts for Kids, started in 1919, is the San Francisco Symphony’s oldest education program, bringing schoolchildren the unforgettable experience of attending a live concert at Davies Symphony Hall.  Concert for Kids’ performances are designed specifically to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of classical music, and present musical concepts that align with nationally prescribed educational standards.   

The program serves more than 35,000 schoolchildren in Northern California each year.  Each concert is led by a “docent” – a volunteer who serves as an ambassador to the school, attends a training workshop, and helps prepare classes for the concert. 

There are a few ways to get involved with the Concerts for Kids Program:

Become a Docent.  You can become a Symphonix Concert for Kids volunteer by taking a Concert for Kids Docent Training Workshop.  The workshops are designed to teach Docents how to prepare students for the Concert for Kids program.  Symphony trained Education Docents visit Bay Area classrooms to teach a short lesson and lead a discussion to prepare the school children who will attend a Concert for Kids performance. Docent training will take place on Saturday, January 23.

Volunteer.  If you are interested in participating in this exciting opportunity to bring music to local schoolchildren, please email: volunteer@sfsymphonix.org.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Symphonix members Kelly Grimes and Barry Shotts as the Nutcracker and Snow Princess volunteer at the Symphony's annual Deck the Halls benefit.

The Board of Directors would like to express its gratitude and highest appreciation to the following volunteers who assisted at Symphonix events between August 15 and December 15, 2009: 

  • Blossom Barnes

  • Christine Chen

  • Amanda Coffee

  • Kristi DeCaminada

  • Lisa Edwards

  • Danielle Jarvis

  • Aasim Khan

  • Elizabeth Lattanza

  • Rory Taggart

  • Tessa Tan

  • Mihoko Ward

  • Nicholas Yip

  • Zhouhong

IN-KIND DONATIONS

We would like to thank our standout 2009 fall season sponsors who have donated their time, services, products, and space to support our efforts to fund music programs for children in San Francisco schools. 

Donations of any kind are tax deductible and a great way to give back to the community.  If you are interested making an in-kind donation, please contact Maggie Hazelrig at donations@sfsymphonix.org.


CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join us in supporting the San Francisco Symphony and its programs that bring music education to 75,000 Bay Area children each year by becoming a corporate sponsor of Symphonix. 

Symphonix provides you and your company access to San Francisco’s professional and social trendsetters who are dedicated to bringing the magic, and music, of the Symphony to Bay Area audiences, schoolchildren, and communities.  We accomplish this through selling annual memberships, offering discounted concert tickets, providing hands-on volunteer opportunities, and hosting seasonal cocktail parties and signature events including the Black and White Ball and Opening Night Gala. 

For more information please contact Bob Perun or Jason Royce at sponsorships@sfsymphonix.org.


EXCHANGE… with new and old friends

Symphonix kicked off the 2009-2010 season in style!  A warm thank you to those members who joined us at the following events:

SLOANE AND PAIGE ART GALLERY FALL PARTY

Marking its first official membership party with the 2009-2010 Board, Symphonix converged on the ultra chic hotspot Sloane. Sloane is the newest venture from long time Symphony supporter Ken Paige.  In Symphonix tradition, more than 300 young professionals were amongst the first to experience the most recent addition to the City’s after-hours’ scene. 

Symphonix supporters were treated to a variety of experiences within a single venue. First, revelers enjoyed complimentary wine by Gallo, Chou Chou’s succulent foie gras appetizers and the tunes of DJ Mahoney. Paige Glass, adjacent to Sloane, opened it doors, so guests could tour its collections, where guests grooved to DJ HeyLo while sipping Batiste Rhum mojitos.

Special guests turning out to support Symphonix’s new season included “San Francisco’s Party King” himself Harry Denton.  City Planning Commissioner Gwyneth Borden raised a glass to the fabulous new venue.  While Irish pop sensation, Eoin Harrington (“Move Along”) demonstrated that classical and contemporary music are well suited for each other.  And last but never least, Joel Goodrich, stopped by to wish Symphonix well before hopping on a plane for Paris Fashion Week.


SYMPHONIX SKY LOUNGE: MILLENNIUM TOWER

High above the city on the 52nd floor of the Millennium Tower, Symphonix hosted its second membership party of the year. In Symphonix tradition, more than 400 young professionals were amongst the first to experience the City’s most opulent residences and the “icons of design.” Long time Symphony supporter Ken Paige welcomed the hip crowd to the designer showcase.

Symphonix supporters were treated to a variety of ambiances, complimentary drinks, appetizers, and entertainment throughout four decorator penthouse suites. World class musicians including San Francisco Symphony First Chair Violinist Florin Parvalesc and Second Chair Violinist Chen Zhao, as well as pianist Lucas Bantner played while attendees enjoyed Batiste Rum, Haamoni Souju, Trumer Pilsner, and Lotus Vodka complimented by hors d’oeuvres from Enricos, Asia de Cuba, New Delhi and XYZ. Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, Ann Getty & Associates, De Sousa Hughes, Martha Angus and Martin-Richards, were just a few of the featured designers. At 8:30pm, guests journeyed downstairs to the “After Party” in Michael Mina’s RN74 Atrium.

Special guests turning out to support Symphonix included hosts Matt Paige and his parents Ken and Dorothy. Symphonix President Kathryn Pellegrini Inglin also welcomed her parents Richard and Janet Pellegrini. Newly engaged couple, Kelly Grimes and Barry Shotts just back from New York also made their first Symphonix appearance since announcing their upcoming nuptials. Also in attendance were Tom and Linda Coates, Keylee Sanders, Sonya Molodetskaya, Ye-Hui Lu, Joe Leveroni, Dominic Chan, Lisa Ligon, Gwyneth Borden, Valerie Banter, Scott and Lizzy Weiss, Sean Synder, Michael Uytengsu, Lionel Shaw, Trish Loucks, Chris Zuber and Bob Perun.


SYMPHONIX MEMBERSHIP

Don't forget to renew your Symphonix Membership! 

Symphonix memberships are good for one calendar year from the day you join.  Renew or join today to start taking advantage of the membership benefits.  Fill out our membership form here or get in touch with our membership chairs at membership@sfsymphonix.org.

NEW BOARD AND ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNOUNCED

Symphonix is pleased to announce the Board and Advisory Council for the 2009-2010 season:

President - Kathryn Pellegrini Inglin
Vice President - Lisa Ligon
Secretary - Carol Morganstern
Treasurer - Gia Colosi
Special Events - Zen St. Clair, Ye Hui Lu
Membership - Kristen Harper, Victoria Terheyden
Media Relations - Michelle Curtis
Technology - Scott Weiss
Communications - Valerie Bantner
Development - Bob Perun, Jason Royce
Donations - Maggie Hazelrig
Audience Development - Elizabeth Grillos, Sheila Warren
Volunteer Coordinators - Dominic Chan, Joe Leveroni
Members at Large - Kelly Grimes, Cameron Phleger, Adam Steinhorn

Advisory Board Chairs - Roberta Economidis and Krista Mitzel Hankinson

John Andreini, Katerina Hertzog Bohannon, Gwyneth Borden, Christopher Contos, Lisa Edwards, Justin Finchelson, Makai Fisher, Andrew Freeman, Joe Garcia, Leslie Gay, Holly Grochmal, Letita and Michael Kim, Nicole Ancelovici Lenihan, Johny "Love" Methany, Kelly Bryson Murphy, Erik Noland, Dr. Manjula Noone, Matthew Paige, Teola Partain, Christiane Pelz, Rebecca Saroyan Robbins, Stefanie Roumeliotes, Barry J. Shotts, V'Anne Singleton, Kevin Whittaker.