Prophets, Kings, and Klezmer March 17, 2012

Last year's collaboration with the Alexander String Quartet confirmed San Francisco Choral Artists' fine reputation for presenting new works for unusual combinations of voices and instruments. Continuing this compelling aspect of their programming, this year they feature world renowned Klezmer band Veretski Pass in lively and moving performances of folksongs, psalms, and lullabies from the texts and traditions of Jewish life. The concerts include two world premieres for the combined ensembles.

Composer-Not-in-Residence Matt Van Brink and local composer Tina Harrington each wrote a piece especially for the unique combination of chamber chorus and Klezmer band. Using energetic rhythms and the harmonic minor scale, Harrington firmly places her Vest Oysforn in the tradition of Eastern European folk music. Matt Van Brink based They Disappear on two Romanian peasant dances, the Doina and the Hora, and uses two distinctly different styles to evoke the unique character of each of the dances.

In addition to these two world premieres, the concerts showcase a wealth of music by Jewish composers. Artistic Director Magen Solomon programs a Jewish set for SF Choral Artists every two or three years: "The Jewish tradition provides us with lots of repertoire that is largely unknown, but extremely interesting and beautiful." This year's selection includes richly scored six-part Shir Hama'alot by 17th century Italian composer Salamone Rossi, Jerusalem (part of Les Deux Cites) by longtime Bay Area resident Darius Milhaud, a lush piece by Romantic 19th century composer Nowakowsky, Sylke Zimpel's arrangement of the familiar folk tune Tumbalalaika, and compelling psalm settings by contemporary composers George Rochberg, Malcolm Singer, and others.

Veretski Pass features Cookie Segelstein on violin and viola; Stuart Brotman on bass, basy (cello), tilinca, and baraban; and Joshua Horowitz on chromatic button accordion, cimbalom, and piano. Read more about them on www.veretskipass.com.

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