Announcing Our 45th Season 2024 – 2025
Six Great Performances
New for Season & Half Season Tickets and Donors of $200 or More -Reserved & Preferred Seating – Doors Open 30 Min Prior to Performance (Doors Open 15 Min Prior to Performance for Individual Ticket Holders)
AND
New for Season Ticket Holders and Donors of $200 or More – Meet and Greet the Artists, Following Some Performances
Season Tickets – 6 Performances – $175 (Save $35) – 
Half Season – 3 Concert Mini-Passes – $90 (Save $15, you choose which performances) –
$35 – Adults Tickets when purchased online ($40 at the door)
Free for Kids, and $10 for Students 18-25
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Akhtamar Quartet +1 (Brussels)
With Special Guest: Arnaud Ghillebaert, Viola
Sat, Nov 2, 2024, 3:30pm (twilight at 6:36pm)
Community Church of Sebastopol
Coline Alecian | Jennifer Pio | Cléo Dahan | Cyril Simon
The Akhtamar Quartet’s technical prowess is truly exceptional; each player exhibits an impressive command over their instrument, seamlessly intertwining precision with expressive depth. Their interpretations of classical repertoire are both insightful and original, breathing new life into familiar works while honoring their historical context. The synergy among the quartet members is palpable. Their harmonious interplay and mutual understanding create an intimate atmosphere, as if they are having a conversation through their music, “The Akhtamar Quartet plays both sides of this music: the sonorous, sensual sound and the highly original thematic structure, which has never before been heard with such effortless, self-evident conciseness. It is truly impressive how the ensemble shapes the melodic contour of the work, articulating it with eloquence and exploring its emotional depths.” – Fono Forum, 15 August, 2023, (DE)
Formed in Brussels in 2014, the ensemble was one of six quartets selected for the “Tremplins Jeunes Quatuors” of the Paris’ Philharmonie in 2016, and in the same year won the second prize in the Musiq’3 Festival. Akhtamar is an Armenian legend. The name of the quartet is a reference to the Armenian Miniatures Suite by Komitas, which the ensemble has performed with passion since its inception.
– Komitas, Armenian Folk Miniatures Suite
– Dvořák, String Quartet No. 13, Op. 106
– Bruckner, String Quintet in F Major, WAB 112, Special Guest: Arnaud Ghillebaert – Viola
Navarro Trio +1
Special Guest: Roy Zajac, Clarinet
Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 2:30pm (twilight at 5:47pm)
Church of the Roses, Santa Rosa
Marylin Thompson | Jill Rachuy Brindel | Tammie Dyer
Founded in 1992 by pianist Marilyn Thompson and cellist Jill Rachuy Brindel, the Navarro Trio is currently in its 26th season as Chamber Music Artists-In-Residence at California State University, Sonoma.
With over 32 years of performing the entire standard piano trio repertoire, the Trio has become a beacon of musical excellence, guiding listeners through the rich history of chamber music with grace and artistry. The Trio’s commitment to both the forgotten and the familiar showcases its deep passion for chamber music. They don’t just perform; they curate a living history that connects generations through sound.
Re: Navarro’s performance of the Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 and Wilson’s Elements in the Green Music Center in Apr, 2024: “… Navarro’s sonic effects in the hall’s three quarter of a second reverberation were everywhere – massive piano chords, wide vibrato in the cello, a violin-cello duo over a softly singing piano line, string pizzicato with clipped piano notes and a rough pungent march that Shostakovich fashions so effectively … Among Mr. Zajac’s well-known credentials is his ability to play really soft in elongated phrases, calling attention to the beauty of his sound even when his colleagues are stentorian loud. This lovely tapestry, never dissonant and always flexible, made Elements in the hands of Mr. Wilson’s colleagues an upbeat and successful experience.” Classical Sonoma, Apr, 2024.
– Shostakovich, Piano Trio, No. 2, E minor, Op. 67
– Dvořák, Piano Trio, No. 4, E minor, Op. 90, B. 166, (Dumky)
– Wilson, Elements, Special Guests: Roy Zajac, Clarinet & Brian Wilson, Composer
Parker Quartet
Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 3:00pm (twilight at 6:16pm)
Community Church of Sebastopol
Daniel Chong, violin | Ken Hamao, violin | Jessica Bodner, viola | Kee-Hyun Kim, cello
The Quartet’s 2024-25 season includes concerts at Carnegie Hall and Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Internationally recognized for their “fearless, yet probingly beautiful” (The Strad) performances, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation, dedicated purely to the sound and depth of their music. They are renowned for their fresh and unique approach to the great classics while being passionate ambassadors for music of our time. Inspired performances and exceptional musicianship are hallmarks of the Quartet, having appeared at the world’s most illustrious venues since its founding in 2002. We are thrilled and honored to be able to welcome back the Parker Quartet for its fourth performance with The Redwood Arts Council.
– Zemlinsky, String Quartet No. 1, Op. 4
– Thomas Adés, The Four Quarters
– Brahms, String Quartet No. 3
Ilya Yakushev
Fri, Mar 21, 2025, 7:00pm
Church of the Roses, Santa Rosa
Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev, with many awards and honors to his credit, continues to astound and mesmerize audiences at major venues on three continents.
“Mr. Yakushev can just do about anything he wants.” — The New York Times
“Sergei Prokofiev was still the ostensible headliner in Davies Symphony Hall over the weekend, as the San Francisco Symphony wound up their two-week festival devoted to his music. But the big news was the astonishing tripartite debut of pianist Ilya Yakushev, who single-handedly turned the end of the festival into something unforgettable.” — San Francisco Chronicle
“The young Russian pianist made an astounding triple debut as part of the San Francisco Symphony’s Prokofiev Festival, playing the First Concerto, the Fourth Concerto and the Seventh Sonata with vigor and virtuosity.” — San Francisco Chronicle
The Redwood Arts Council is excited to have Ilya return for his fifth performance – he is truly an audience favorite.
– Mozart, Fantasia in D minor, K.397
– Rachmaninoff, Prelude in G sharp minor, Op.32, No.12
– Rachmaninoff, Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3, No.2
– Scriabin, Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand Alone in C-sharp minor, Op.9 No.1
– Prokofiev, Sonata No.2 in D minor, Op. 14
– Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition
Evan Drachman & Victor Asuncion
Sun, Apr 6, 2025, 4:00pm (twilight at 8:06pm)
Occidental Center for the Arts
Evan and Victor’s performances are a journey through time, showcasing not only the technical prowess of both musicians but also their profound understanding of the repertoire’s emotional landscapes. “Soaring Masters of the Cello & Piano …”, “The chemistry between the piano and cello was absolutely enchanting – each note felt like a conversation between old friends.” “The way they both brought such emotion to the piece was breathtaking; it was like a story was being told with every phrase …”, Evan and Victor’s dynamics are masterful, shifting seamlessly from soft whispers to powerful crescendos that captivated the audience. They provide a musical performance not to be missed.
Program – Announcement Coming Soon
More Information – Evan Drachman • More Information – Victor Asuncion •
Cantiamo Sonoma
Sun, May 18, 4:00pm (twilight at 8:48pm)
Occidental Center for the Arts
“Choral Enchantment 20+ Years…”, “One of the West Coast’s premiere a cappella vocal ensembles …” Cantiamo Sonoma under the expert direction of acclaimed soprano and choral director Carol Menke is lauded for its varied programs which present the finest repertoire from the Renaissance through the 21st century. This ensemble’s ability to seamlessly traverse musical eras is truly remarkable, showcasing the depth and richness of the human voice across centuries. The blend of voices is nothing short of breathtaking, effortlessly shifting from the intricate counterpoint of the Renaissance to the innovative sounds of the 21st century. This ensemble not only preserves the rich tapestry of choral music but also expands it, inviting listeners to experience the full spectrum of human expression.
Program – Announcement Coming Soon