I. BOCCHERINI'S BACCHANALE
Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 7:30 PM ~ UCSC Music Ctr Recital Hall (map)
Elisabeth Le Guin (violoncello) with harpsichordist Linda Burman-Hall and string quartet.

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"If God wished to speak to men, he would make use of the music of Haydn; and if he wished to listen to music, he would play that of Boccherini." (J.B. Cartier) Meet the legendary virtuoso who astonished a continent. This romantic pre-Valentine evening features sensuous cello sonatas and the famed String Quintet in E. Let Boccherini's 'music of angels' return you to 'primitive innocence'. A Meet-the-Artist reception follows for season ticket holders and donors. (Co-presented by the UCSC Department of Music.)


II. THE CZAR'S GUITARS: An Evening in Imperial Russia
Friday, March 14, 2008 at 7:30 PM ~ UCSC Music Ctr Recital Hall (map)
Oleg Timofeyev and John Schneiderman (Russian seven-string guitars)

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Join the legendary court of Nicholas II, with indulgent potpourris and languorous nocturnes played by Russian seven-string guitars. Our program features rare and delightful 19th-century arrangements of arias by Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857).



III. A BAROQUE BEATLES EXPERIENCE
Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM ~ UCSC Music Ctr Recital Hall (map)
Brian Staufenbiel (tenor), the Kirby Chamber Choir, with Lux Musica, Annette Bauer (recorder), and other guest instrumentalists.

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This concert presents a joyful celebration of music by Bach and the Beatles. Our program includes arrangements of Bach favorites by the Swingle Singers — performed by the prize-winning Kirby vocal ensemble, alongside 'baroque instrumentals' based on famous Beatles tunes — performed by a period instrument ensemble (recorder, 2 flutes, string quartet, and continuo). Drafted by the festival's artistic director Linda Burman-Hall, this unique program presents the cross-over point between the baroque roots of 'classical' music and the legendary songs and musical style of the Beatles. Click here for more program information.


IV. IBERIAN FLARE!
Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 7:30 PM ~ UCSC Music Ctr Recital Hall (map)

Stephanie Neira (dancer), with the Streicher Trio: Katherine Kyme (violin), Joanna Blendulf (cello), and Charlene Brendler (harpsichord)

Castanets, fans, a costumed Spanish dancer doing the Jota, Fandango, Sarabande, together with rich Iberian-influenced music engages the ear and eye in this colorful event. Guest dancer Stephanie Neira from San Francisco joins the award-winning Streicher Trio to present this unique Spanish-inspired presentation. The Bay Area Trio members, Charlene Brendler, harpsichord, Joanna Blendulf, cello, and Katherine Kyme, violin, perform early and late Baroque music of familiar and unfamiliar composers. The dancer visually augments the experience with original and historical choreography and costumes. Historical Spanish dance steps are performed to music of Cabezon, Playford, Lully, and Scarlatti, and original choreography can be seen in the Fandango of Lopez. A special musical treat comes with a rare and virtuosic Folia (variation set) by Swiss composer Albicastro (alias Heinrich Weissenburg).Click here for more program information

V. THE FLAME OF LOVE: The Legend of Tristan and Iseult
Sun., May 11, 2008 (Mother's Day) at 7:30 PM ~ UCSC Music Ctr Recital Hall (map)

Patrick Ball (Celtic harp, spoken word) and the Medieval Beasts, Shira Kammen (vielle, medieval harp, voice), and Tim Rayborn (lute, psaltery, medieval harp, voice)

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A legend of Celtic origin that predates the Arthurian tale of Lancelot and Guinevere, this medieval romance is filled with love, passion, magic, and death. The faithful knight Tristan is called upon to deliver Iseult, an Irish princess, to her future husband, the King of Cornwall. Yet, while traversing the waves of the Irish Sea, a mix-up involving a potion determines their joint but tragic fate. Click here for more program information