Main Stage Concert: The Classics

Benjamin Simon, conductor
Stephen Waarts, violin

W. A. Mozart Overture to Cosí fan Tutte, K. 588
Sergei Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 in D major, “Classical,” Op. 25
Felix Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

Wed, Dec 31 8pm
First Congregational Church
2345 Channing Way, Berkeley

Thu, Jan 1 3pm
First United Methodist Church
625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto

Fri, Jan 2 8pm
Calvary Presbyterian Church
2515 Fillmore St, San Francisco

In the finest classical style, we raise our curtain with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s brilliant overture to the 1790 comedy Cosí fan Tutte. Sergei Prokofiev’s incandescent Classical Symphony gives the old form a modern twist, and Felix Mendelssohn, who adored Mozart above all others, brewed his own blend of sweetness and sophistication. The world’s most beloved violin concerto will be performed by the Bay Area’s rising superstar Stephen Waarts, our 2009 Debut Artist, who recently won first prize in the International Menuhin Competition.

Great music worth listening to. Classical masterpieces, unusual gems, and modern works offer a feast for your ears at every concert, while Maestro Simon’s engaging onstage talks help you connect more powerfully with the music. Concerts are generally 90 to 120 minutes in length, with an intermission.

Admission is free to all concertgoers! Supporting members receive priority seating and priority entrance 60 minutes before concert time -- please bring your membership card with you. Non-members may enter 45 minutes before concert time.