My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Berkeley Symphony To Close 2025–26 Symphonic Series With FABLES AND FOLKLORE

Final Symphonic Series program features works by Huang Ruo, Clarice Assad, and Dvořák under the direction of Carolyn Kuan.

By:
Berkeley Symphony To Close 2025–26 Symphonic Series With FABLES AND FOLKLORE

Berkeley Symphony will conclude its 2025–26 Symphonic Series with FABLES AND FOLKLORE, the fourth and final program of the season, presented at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley. The concert will be led by conductor Carolyn Kuan, Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and will feature guitarist Marc Teicholz as guest soloist.

The program opens with Folk Songs for Orchestra by Huang Ruo, a work that draws on traditional Chinese folk melodies and integrates them into a contemporary orchestral framework. Inspired by regional songs passed down through generations, the piece reflects cultural memory through modern orchestration.

Teicholz will then join the orchestra for O Saci-Pererê by Clarice Assad, a guitar concerto inspired by Brazilian folklore. The work centers on the character of Saci, a figure from Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian traditions, and explores rhythmic and narrative elements associated with Brazilian musical heritage.

Following intermission, the program concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, a work rooted in Czech folk traditions and known for its melodic writing and pastoral character. The symphony serves as the closing work of Berkeley Symphony’s Symphonic Series for the season.

“This program brings together stories passed down through generations—myths, memories, and traditions that shape how we understand the world,” said Executive Director Marion Atherton. “This program celebrates imagination and heritage, honoring cultural roots while inviting audiences to experience the power of storytelling through music.”

All Symphonic Series performances during the 2025–26 season take place at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Berkeley Symphony’s season will continue with its Chamber Series later in the spring.

TICKETS

Tickets start at $15 and are available online through berkeleysymphony.org or by calling the box office at (510) 841-2800.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Ensemble - Top 3
1. The Lost Boys
21% of votes
2. Schmigadoon!
13% of votes
3. Ragtime
11.2% of votes

Don't Miss a San Francisco / Bay Area News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Anastasia the Musical in San Francisco / Bay Area Anastasia the Musical
Douglas Morrisson Theatre (5/22-5/31)
Dream Hou$e in San Francisco / Bay Area Dream Hou$e
City Lights Theater Company (5/13-6/06)
An Evening with a Mentalist: Jay Alexander's Mind Tricks Live in San Francisco / Bay Area An Evening with a Mentalist: Jay Alexander's Mind Tricks Live
San Francisco Magic Theater (w/Jay Alexander) at the Marrakech (5/30-5/31)
PRESENT LAUGHTER in San Francisco / Bay Area PRESENT LAUGHTER
ORINDA STARLIGHT VILLAGE PLAYERS (7/24-8/15)
Eureka Day in San Francisco / Bay Area Eureka Day
City Lights Theater Company (9/24-10/18)
DRACULA in San Francisco / Bay Area DRACULA
ORINDA STARLIGHT VILLAGE PLAYERS (9/04-9/26)
Salsa and Bachata Dance Fridays Salsa Dancing, Bachata Dancing at Dance Fridays, Dance Lessons in San Francisco / Bay Area Salsa and Bachata Dance Fridays Salsa Dancing, Bachata Dancing at Dance Fridays, Dance Lessons
Dance Fridays (5/29-5/29)
Comedy Oakland at Elbo Room Thu June 25 8pm in San Francisco / Bay Area Comedy Oakland at Elbo Room Thu June 25 8pm
Elbo Room Jack London (6/25-6/25)
“Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” in San Francisco / Bay Area “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really”
San Francisco Playhouse (5/14-6/27)
3Girls Theatre Presents: The Hortense Mancini Project by Kristy Lin Billuni in San Francisco / Bay Area 3Girls Theatre Presents: The Hortense Mancini Project by Kristy Lin Billuni
iMPACt Center for Art & Dance (6/14-6/14)