Classical picks: Focus on women composers, artists
This weekend's classical calendar features women composers and artists in performances throughout the region. Here are four events you won't want to miss.
On the flute: Claire Chase, an extraordinary flutist and one of the San Francisco Symphony's Collaborative Partners, returns to the symphony's SoundBox series with a one-night-only performance of “Pan.” Composed for Chase, Marcos Balter's musical drama depicts the legendary flutist of Greek mythology in a work for solo flute, electronics and chorus. Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday; SoundBox, 300Franklin St., San Francisco; $40; sfsymphony.org.
“Notes from California”: That's the title of Friday evening's Oakland Symphony program, featuring Gabriella Smith's “Tumblebird Contrails” and
Reena Esmail's “History of Red.” Vinay Parameswaran conducts the program, which also includes works by Debussy and Stravinsky. Details: 8 p.m. Friday; Paramount Theatre, Oakland; $25-$90; oaklandsymphony.org.
The return of Kern: Chamber Music San Francisco presents celebrated Russian pianist Olga Kern, a Van Cliburn gold medalist, in an all-Rachmaninoff solo recital with performances in Walnut Creek and Palo Alto. Details: 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek; 7:30 p.m. Monday at Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, Palo Alto; $28-$55; chambermusicsf.org.
“Reflections on Love”: The San Jose Wind Symphony's Sunday afternoon concert, conducted by David Vickerman, includes works by Florence Price, Leonard Bernstein, Arturo Marquez and others.
Details: 3 p.m. Sunday; McAfee Center, Saratoga; $7-$22; www.sjws.org.