Peace United Church
(900 High Street, Santa Cruz) 7 p.m. Pre-concert lecture • 8 p.m. Concert
Featuring Bridget Kibbey, Chee-Yun Kim, Rebecca Jackson, Jonah Kim, Alexandra Leem, Moni Simeonov, Emma Noel Votapek, Tiffany Richardson, & Frederic Rosselet
J.S. Bach Toccata & Fugue in D minor (trans. for solo harp by Kibbey)
J.S. Bach Double Violin Concerto
Claude Debussy – Danse Sacree et Danse Profane
Felix Mendelssohn – Octet
•••
2016 Musicians
Rebecca Jackson, violin: Korean-American Rebecca Jackson is founding member of Ensemble San Francisco & artistic director of Music in May, an annual chamber music festival in its 8th season. Believing strongly in the power of music to heal and unite, this has taken her into communities in Ukraine, Romania, Dominican Republic, and into the Haitian tent cities. Ms. Jackson received her B.M. from The Juilliard School. She is acting assistant principal 2nd violin of the San Francisco Ballet.
Chee-Yun Kim, violin: Violinist Chee-Yun Kim’s flawless technique, dazzling tone and compelling artistry have enraptured audiences on five continents. Charming, charismatic and deeply passionate about her art, Chee-Yun performs regularly with the world’s foremost orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, and the Toronto, Houston, Seattle, Pittsburgh and National symphony orchestras. In August 2007, she was appointed Artist-in-Residence and Professor of Violin at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Bridget Kibbey, harp: Harpist Bridget Kibbey is gaining a reputation for showcasing the broad range of her instrument through multiple-genre performances — drawing diverse audiences through new collaborations and platforms. The New York Times: “Harpist Bridget Kibbey ”makes it seem as though her instrument had been waiting all its life to explode with the gorgeous colors and energetic figures she was getting from it.” Lucid Culture: “While the classical concert harp probably isn’t the first instrument that you would think of as being badass, Kibbey makes it that way.” Praised for her DIY esthetic, she lends her unorthodox virtuosity and powerful attack to a nonstop series of new commission.
Ray Furuta, flute: Hailed as “the protégé of the great flutist, Carol Wincenc” (San Jose Mercury) and praised for his “strong and attractive” (SF Classical Voice) bravura, flutist Ray Furuta has established a reputation as one of today’s foremost flutists. He has held residencies at SF Conservatory, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, San Jose State, Gettysburg College, University of Victoria (BC) San Jose State University, and University of the Pacific, and was recently appointed as a new associate faculty member at Mission College in Santa Clara. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University.
Jonah Kim, cello: Joseph McLellan of the Washington Post called Jonah Kim, “the next Yo-Yo Ma.” Jonah graduated from the prestigious Curtis Institute in spring of 2006 while only 17 years old. He has soloed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra and Symphony of the Americas. He also records and plays live in concert with pop figures such as the Beach Boys, Andrea Bocelli, Cristian Castro, Vic Damone, Regis Philban, Kenny Rogers, and the Tran-Siberian Orchestra. Jonah is an associate Principal cellist for San Francisco Ballet, of which he is the youngest member.
Alexandra Leem, viola: Violist Alexandra Leem is a graduate of the Eastman School and Yale University. A recipient of the Yale University scholarship, she worked closely with the Tokyo quartet during her Yale residency graduate program. Alexandra was the Principal violist for the Concerto Soloists and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. She is currently a member of the Santa Fe Opera and San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and resides in California.
Kai Christiansen, musicologist: Based in San Francisco, Mr. Christiansen writes and lectures throughout the Bay areas. While living in Santa Cruz for over a decade, Mr. Christiansen hosted a weekly radio show on KAZU in Pacific Grove, an educational exploration of Blues and Jazz. For relaxation, Kai plays cello and guitar for his cat.
