The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) today announced that it will host a season-long, nationwide dialogue on the 21st century American orchestra, in conjunction with the visits of six other major American orchestras during its Centennial 2011-12 season. San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT), Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, and New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert are the keynote speakers for three free events in Davies Symphony Hall during the season. The San Francisco Symphony has also launched an American Orchestra Forum website at http://www.symphonyforum.org, as a hub for the ongoing conversation, with perspectives from leaders in and outside the orchestra world, as well as the general public, via blogs, podcasts and videos of the discussions.
The presence of seven of America's leading orchestras-Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco-performing as part of the SF Symphony's 2011-2012 Centennial Season offers a unique opportunity to explore significant questions facing American orchestras. "In the orchestral world, we spend a lot of time talking about music," said Brent Assink, SFS Executive Director. "In this centennial season, with the leading orchestras in the country coming to San Francisco, it's a perfect opportunity to also reflect on the connection points around the music - our communities, our creative inspirations and challenges, and, of course, our audiences. What does our past teach us? And how do we best shape our collective future? I look forward to lively discussions throughout the season."Gustavo Dudamel's keynote conversation Sunday, October 23, "Talking About Community," kicks off a two-concert residency of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Davies Symphony Hall October 23 and 24. Michael Tilson Thomas and Assink open a discussion of creativity on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in conjunction with San Francisco Symphony's month-long American Mavericks festival of adventurous American music. Alan Gilbert initiates a discussion on the role of live music in a world of changing audience habits Sunday, May 13, and leads the New York Philharmonic for two concerts May 13 and 14. Composers John Adams and Mason Bates take part in a conversation and discussion following the MTT keynote during the American Mavericks festival event March 17.Spotlight #1: Jesse Rosen, President/CEO, League of American Orchestras, in conversation with Neil Harris, Professor of History and Art History, University of Chicago; moderated by Mark Clague, professor of music, University of Michigan.
Spotlight #2: Amos Yang, Assistant Principal Cellist, San Francisco Symphony, and alumnus, San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra; in conversation with Afa Sadykhly Dworkin, Artistic Director, Sphinx Organization, Detroit; moderated by journalist Steven Winn
Roundtable discussion: Spotlight speakers, with Mark Clague and Steven Winn
Keynote Conversation: Gustavo Dudamel, Music Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic and alumnus, El Sistema, Venezuela, in conversation with Deborah Borda, Executive Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic (Note: Dudamel's appearance will begin at approximately 4:30)
Tickets: These events are free; no tickets are required. Advance registration is recommended at www.symphonyforum.org.
Concert tickets: The Los Angeles Philharmonic performs October 23 and October 24 at Davies Symphony Hall; limited tickets sold separately at www.sfsymphony.org.
Videos