Simon  Says September 2022

As I prepare for my final two MainStage concerts as Music Director of this marvelous ensemble, I wish to share some thoughts about the past,  present,  and future. 

I love the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra!  The distinct honor and great pleasure of leading this outstanding ensemble for the past twenty-one years has been the most meaningful professional association of my life.  I cherish the friendships I have made, the music I have learned and the thrill of working with an absolutely first-class professional ensemble.  However, I am ready for new challenges and new adventures, playing a bit more viola (and bassoon!), travelling, spending time with my two grandkids, and exploring what is next in my life. This is a bittersweet transition for me – I will miss you all terribly, musicians and audience members alike and the relationships we have built together through the SFCO.

I am truly excited about collaborating with the orchestra for my two final MainStage concerts as Music Director,  bringing Copland, Barber, Stravinsky, Schubert, PDQ Bach, Mendelssohn, Haydn, soprano Ann Moss and violinist Amaryn Olmeda to our concert stages in October and December, including my final New Year’s Eve concert at UC Berkeley’s lovely Hertz Hall on the last night of 2022.   

In this world fraught with discord, inequality and fear about our collective futures, great music’s power to build community and provide inspiration is more important than ever.  The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra’s vision to create a more connected and empathetic world through music remains at the core of our organization.  Know that the SFCO has robust plans for its future; I truly hope you will all continue to support and be engaged with this jewel in the Bay Area’s cultural crown, and as I like to sign off in my correspondence, “Onward and Upward!”

Who's next?  
This month, the SFCO is hosting our four outstanding Music Director finalists,
Cosette Justo Valdés, Ming Luke, Chad Goodman, and Christine Brandes.
All four will lead the orchestra in a mini-concert in Berkeley's Presbyterian Church.   
Each 7:30pm performance is preceded by a 5pm Dress Rehearsal to which our Supporting Members are cordially invited.  Doors for everyone will open at 6:30pm. 

These programs are open to the public, admission free, and certain to be an exciting showcase for each conductor.  Please come and be part of our September Special MD Auditions to watch the future of this wonderful orchestra take shape.  
For more information including dates, click here. 

Help us carry on Edgar Braun and Ben Simon's legacy by donating to our MD Audition Concerts!
Click this link to donate or call 415-463-6710

Masks and Vaccinations are strongly encouraged 

Click here for More Information