Classical tips: Yefim Bronfman performs Beethoven; Kohl Mansion opens season
Here are two events classical music lovers won’t want to miss.
Beethoven, Bronfman style: With a rare blend of elegant technique and interpretive brawn, Russian pianist Yefim Bronfman has made superb impressions in his past appearances with the San Francisco Symphony. He returns to Davies Symphony Hall this week to join music director Esa-Pekka Salonen and the orchestra in performances of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Also on the program are Richard Strauss’ Symphony for Wind Instruments (also known as Sonatina No. 2 in E-flat, “Fröhliche Werkstatt”), and the symphony’s first performances of Anders Hillborg’s “Kongsgaard Variations,” performed in the score’s orchestra version.
Details: 2 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; $35-$125; check website for COVID-19precautions; www.sfsymphony.org.
Afro-Cuban mix at Kohl Mansion: As it launches its 39th season, Kohl Mansion is set to reopen for live, in-person performances. The season lineup begins Sunday with a rare mix of music by Robert Schumann and sparkling Afro-Cuban jazz. Heading the bill is the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet, with the Cuban pianist-composer Aldo López-Gavilán, playing Schumann’s Piano Quintet in F-major. Four original
works by López-Gavilán and fresh arrangements of jazz classics by Dizzy Gillespie and Billy Strayhorn complete the program. Details: 7 p.m.; Kohl Mansion, Burlingame; proof of vaccination and masks required; $22-$52general, $49senior, $22age 30and under; 650-762-1130; www.musicatkohl.org.