Elliott Carter Centenary Celebration December 6, 2008

Bay Area audiences will have an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the music of legendary American composer Elliott Carter -- who turns 100 years old in December - at a mini-festival presented by San Francisco Performances.

Along with performances of Carter's complete string quartets by the Pacifica Quartet, and of his piano works by longtime collaborator Ursula Oppens, the festival features the screening of the documentary, "Elliott Carter: A Labyrinth of Time," followed by a panel discussion with the artists. Music historian Robert Greenberg will explore the complexities of Carter's powerful yet enigmatic works through pre-concert lectures.

Elliott Carter's life and career span an amazing range of modern and contemporary music history. The winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, he was initially encouraged to pursue a musical career by towering American composer Charles Ives, while Igor Stravinsky called his works "masterpieces." Extremely prolific his entire life, he has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the past decade.

The Pacifica Quartet is recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often daring repertory choices. Since forming in 1994, it has swept top prizes in many leading international competitions and in 2006 was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant -- only the second chamber music ensemble ever to be selected. In January 2008, the Pacifica released (on Naxos) the first in a two-disc set of the complete string quartets of Elliott Carter; the second CD is due out in February 2009.

Ursula Oppens' enduring commitment to new music has led her to commission and premiere many compositions, including works by Elliott Carter, Gyorgy Ligeti and Conlon Nancarrow. She has an extensive recording catalogue and has received two Grammy nominations: for her Vanguard recording of Frederic Rzewski's "The People United Will Never Be Defeated" and for "American Piano Music of Our Time."

$20-$39; $95 for all events; $65 Saturday only; $39 Sunday only.

Official Website: http://www.performances.org