St. Paul’s is pleased
to present their 2007-08 concert season. This year we will
host the sixth concert season of the Sacramento Baroque Soloists’ and
second concert season of Vox Musica.
We are especially excited to
announce two new concert series: the Jazz and Progressive Music
Series (JPMS) and the Emerging Artist Series (EAS).
Sacramento Baroque Soloists
Vox Musica
Jazz and Progressive Music Series - Jeff
Alkire Group - March 29
Emerging Artists Series
St. Paul's Annual Music Composition Competition, Winners Showcase
Information about submitting to the Competition
For any questions, please contact Derek
Keller at: curator@stpaulssacramento.org
SACRAMENTO BAROQUE SOLOISTS
Founded in 2001, is Sacramento's own baroque music ensemble.
World-class musicians from in and around Sacramento come together
to perform with artistry and enthusiasm polished with historical
knowledge. In 2007-08 the ensemble will perform instrumental
works from early baroque sonatas to Concerti of the High Baroque,
with a special concert highlighting the baroque cello. Join
us in our sixth season as we present to you a series of four
concerts, carefully programmed to enliven your evening and transport
you into another century.
Sacramento Baroque Soloists
The Baroque Sonata
Saturday, October 6th
8:00 pm
Winter's Eve
Saturday, December 8
8:00 pm
Concerti Grossi of the High Baroque
Saturday, January 26
8:00 pm
The Voice of the Cello
Saturday, April 12th
8:00 pm
For tickets and information about the
Sacramento Baroque Soloists’ season: www.sacramentobaroque.org
Contact: info@sacramentobaroque.org
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VOX MUSICA
“This new vocal ensemble…is
a welcome addition
to the [Sacramento] music scene.”
– Edward Ortiz, Sacramento Bee
Founded, directed and comprised of young
regional musicians, the eight members of Vox Musica include
trained choral singers, graduates of music programs at fine
colleges and universities, and professional musicians and teachers
from throughout the Sacramento area. Their chamber ensemble
size coupled with the many colours and textures of the women's
voice provides the listener an opportunity to experience a
type of choral singing rarely heard in our community.
Vox Musica
Venitian Vox
Saturday, September 29th
7:00 pm
A Vox Christmas
Saturday, December 1st
7:00 pm
Vox in the Mix
Saturday, April 5th
7:00 pm
For tickets and information about Vox
Musica’s season:
voxmusica.net
Contact: info@voxmusica.net
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JAZZ AND PROGRESSIVE MUSIC SERIES
JPMS is an exciting cross section of the Sacramento Valley’s
New Music scene featuring some of the best musicians in new jazz
and experimental music.
Kairos
Using an innovative blend of jazz, folk and world music, the
Kairos Quartet's resonant sound was developed by jazz educators
Dyne Eifertsen and Steve Lishman during the mid 1990s. Since
then, Kairos' mission has been to perform, promote and educate
the importance of improvisation-based music.
Using distinctive instrumentation -
including the didjeridu and tabla - the Kairos Quartet offers
listeners a fresh way to experience free improvisation, groove,
modern jazz and folk. Their
latest CD, "riverrun" features original compositions
and improvisations in which the bass, saxophone and trombone
create modal harmony. The method – popularized by jazz
greats John Coltrane and Miles Davis – produces mesmerizing
loops heavy in tone and mood.
Kairos
Friday, October 5
7:30 pm
Tickets: $10 general / $5 students
Contact: kairosquartet.com
DAVID TAMEMBAUM
AND THE FESTIVAL OF NEW AMERICAN
MUSIC
David Tanenbaum at the Festival of New American Music
in association with California State University, Sacramento
Festival of New American Music
The Festival of New American
Music, held annually during the first two weeks of November,
has brought outstanding performances of American contemporary
music to Sacramento audiences for nearly three decades. Founded
in 1978 by the late Gene Savage and currently run by Professors
Stephen Blumberg and Keith Bohm, the Festival is a function of
the Department of Music at California State University, Sacramento,
in conjunction with several local collaborating organizations. Through
the presentation of free concerts and other related events featuring
world-class ensembles and soloists performing music by both renowned
and emerging composers, the Festival of New American Music has
helped to establish a reputation for Sacramento as a center for
the contemporary arts, and has contributed greatly to the enrichment
of the cultural life in the region. The Festival of New
American Music receives support from the National Endowment for
the Arts, the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, the Ann
and Gordon Getty Foundation, the Sacramento Region Community
Foundation, the Meet The Composer Foundation and from private
donors, as well as from university allocations.
David Tanenbaum
"A master of the instrument.
Mr. Tanenbaum played so musically and so expressively that
the listener was led directly to the essence of each composer."
– Allen Hughes, The New York Times
Recognized internationally as an outstanding performing and
recording artist, a charismatic educator, and a transcriber and
editor of both taste and intelligence, David Tanenbaum is one
of the most admired classical guitarists of his generation. He
has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe,
Australia, the former Soviet Union and Asia, and in 1988 he became
the first American guitarist to be invited to perform in China
by the Chinese government. He has been soloist with the Los Angeles
Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, London
Sinfonietta, the Oakland Symphony, Vienna's ORF orchestra, with
such eminent conductors as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Kent Nagano and
John Adams. David Tanenbaum is currently Chair of the Guitar
Department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
David Tanenbaum at the Festival of New American Music in association
with California State University, Sacramento
Saturday, November 10
8:00 pm
Tickets: Free
Contact: csus.edu/music/fenam/index.htm
Nada Brahma Musica Ensemble and Ross Hammond
Nada Brahma Music Ensemble 
“The group makes bewitching use
of tradition, disciplined improvisation and musicians who really
listen to each other.”
–
Sacramento
News and Review
Founded in 1997, The Nada Brahma Music
Ensemble (NMBE) was created by 7-string guitarist, composer,
and arranger Matthew Grasso. As
students of the famed Ali Akbar College of Music (San Rafael,
CA), Matthew Grasso and Alex Jenkins have studied with the legendary
musical Gurus Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri,
respectively. The Nada Brahma Music Ensemble's style can
be described as Indian Classical Fusion. The ensemble plays original
ragas and talas (melody forms and rhythmic cycles). These talas
range from traditional eight or ten beats to the unusual 4 3/4
or 9 1/4 beats. In both 2005 and 2007, NMBE was nominated
for a Sacramento music award (SAMMIE) in the World Fusion category.
NMBE has played at various music festivals, music society events,
and live radio throughout Northern California. In addition, NMBE
has been active in the education of Indian Classical Music through
lecture demonstrations and currently teaches a class at Sacramento
City College entitled Indian Classical Fusion.
Contact: mysticalsounds@yahoo.com
Ross Hammond
"Hammond merges rock, jazz and
free improvisation
into a cohesive collection beyond category."
– AllAboutJazz.com
Between composing, performing and promoting
music, Sacramento guitarist Ross Hammond maintains a busy schedule. Aside
from playing in his own projects, he also makes it a mission
to build a jazz and improvised music scene in the River City.
As a player, his resume includes performances at the Palms Playhouse
and San Francisco's Fillmore. He has collaborated with Alex Jenkins,
Lucio Menegon, Damon Smith, Anton Barbeau, John Schott, Vinny
Golia, Tony Passarell, Phillip Greenlief, Hip-Hop Quintet, the
Addict Merchants, Brian Ballentine, Steve Gundhi, Sameer Gupta,
Derek Keller and Christian Kiefer. Ross' most recent recording,
the Teakayo Mission, (a project that includes musicians Scott
Amendola, Lisa Mezzacappa, David Boyce and Joaquin McPeek) has
received international airplay, critical recognition in the Sacramento
Bee, East Bay Express and Allaboutjazz.com, and was "Album
of the week" on KFM Radio in New Zealand. In 2007,
the Sacramento News and Review presented him the Critic's Choice
Award for Special Recognition. Sacramento's Alive N Kicking
magazine awarded him the Spotlight Award for Guitarist of 2004.
Contact: ross@rosshammond.com
Nada Brahma Musica Ensemble and Ross Hammond
Saturday, February 23
8:00 pm
Tickets: $10
Capital Jazz Project
"CJP interprets the music of jazz
masters with reverence, respect, and their own brand of fresh
insights and creative flavors."
– Gary Vercelli, Jazz Music Director, Capital Public Radio
Capital Jazz Project was formed in April 1997 by seven Sacramento
area musicians. Since then, the ensemble, which now includes
five regular members bolstered by guest artists, has given dozens
of self-produced concerts. So far, concert themes have included
the legendary Blue Note record label, Wayne Shorter, Charles
Mingus, Thelonius Monk, Horace Silver, Brazilian composers, Duke
Ellington, Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, women composers,
Charlie Parker, Afro-Cuban classics, Clifford Brown, Pat Metheny,
Cannonball Adderley, and original music composed by CJP. In December
1997, the group began offering individualized instruction in
jazz improvisation to the community. In March 1998, CJP began
the Jazz Mentor Program, which allows younger, less experienced
and amateur jazz musicians the opportunity to perform with CJP
in a professional setting. Also in March 1998, CJP began an outreach
program, bringing educational and performance programs emphasizing
jazz history and improvisation to regional schools. In August
1998, CJP became Artists-in-Residence and faculty of the Jazz
Major program at American River College.
Capital Jazz Project
Sunday, March 9th
8:00 pm
Tickets: $15 general / $10 students and seniors
Contact: feedback@capitaljazzproject.com
Jeff Alkire Group
"One of the most Soulful alto
players on the planet”
– Joe Farrell
Mr. Alkire has toured the world performing
as a saxophonist with the likes of Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker,
Terry Gibbs, Joe Farrell, Charlie Haden, Art Lande, Chuck Isreals,
Eddie Marshall, Bobby Shew, John Patitucci and John Stowell.
Jeff studied at Berklee College of Music and California Institute
of the Arts where he earned B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Jazz
Performance. After graduating, he moved to Australia to join
the Jazz Studies program as a full-time faculty member of Adelaide
University. Having returned to the United States, Alkire teaches
jazz courses at several colleges in California, repairs instruments
and performs his music. His two independent CDs Tak’in
Notes and Another Day are available on CDBaby.com.
Jeff Alkire Group
Saturday, March 29th
8:00 pm
Tickets: $10
Contact: jeffalkire@yahoo.com
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EMERGING ARTISTS SERIES
EAS offers listeners a chance to hear some of the undiscovered
musical mavericks in the area.
Claire McKnight with Chris Plank
St. Paul’s Music Program Fund Raiser 
Claire McKnight
Claire McKnight (Soprano) has been involved
in music and theater as a performer, musical director, conductor,
and stage manager for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal
Performance from Humboldt State University and has worked in
both professional and community theaters in Humboldt County and
Sacramento. Some of her stage credits include A Little Night
Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Gift of the Magi, Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and South Pacific. She is currently
a member of Sacramento’s new vocal ensemble, Vox Musica.
Chris Plank
Chris Plank has performed in The MeshuggaNutcracker
(Motke, NJTF, Semi-National Tour Cast) and The Rocky Horror
Show (Rocky, Garbo's Dinner Theatre). He has played Perchik
in Fiddler on the Roof, Billy in Anything Goes, Paul in Company,
Doody in Grease!, Harold Gorrange in Black Comedy, and Andy
in Love Letters. Chris's
training ranges from Shakespeare to improvisational comedy, from
choreography to concert hall singing.
Contact: air_clay@hotmail.com
Claire McKnight with Chris Plank
Saturday, January 19th
8:00 pm
Chase Spruil and Samuel Knight
Chase Spruill
“A dazzling virtuoso serenade.”
– David Jacobson, Village Life Magazine
Charles Spruill, IV, began his violin
studies at the age of ten under guitarist Matthew Grasso. He performed for five
years in the Sacramento Youth Symphony, playing in all three
of their orchestras. In 2003, he toured with the orchestra
to Brazil under the baton of Michael Neumann. He has won
numerous scholarships for chamber music workshops including those
held by the Sacramento Youth Symphony, University of the Pacific,
Mendocino Music Festival, Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music,
and Moab Music Festival where he was on staff in 2006. Charles
is currently finishing his education at Sacramento State University
in pursuit of a Bachelors of Music, under the guidance of his
teacher, Anna Presler. While here, he has served as concertmaster
for all of the school’s leading ensembles and performed
as soloist with Sacramento State University’s Wind Ensemble
under the direction of Dr. Robert Halseth. Upon graduation,
Charles will continue his education in graduate school where
he can pursue his deep interest in chamber music.
Contact: CSVio@aol.com
Contact: pianoman@pacbell.net
Chase Spruil and Samuel Knight
Saturday, February 2
8:00 pm
Tickets: $10
City Water and Elizabeth Gruinn
City Water
A fresh new music ensemble to the Sacramento
music scene, City Water was originally formed in 2006 to perform
Steve Mackey’s
Microconcerto for percussion and small ensemble at the University
of California, Sacramento; and since then they decided to continue
performing together. City Water is comprised of flute,
clarinet, violin, cello, percussion and piano, the newest standard
instrumentation for chamber music. The mission of City
Water is performance without boundaries and education without
alienation. They hope to provide Sacramento and the surrounding
areas the chance to hear the best of contemporary chamber music
in Sacramento. Their intent is to expand the repertoire
for their instrumentation through commissioning programs and
giving young composers a forum in which to experiment. Cathie,
Milun, Chase, Tim, Ben and Jennifer invite all audiences to bring
their ears, minds and souls to the newest music on Earth.
Contact: timcello@hotmail.com
Elizabeth Gruinn
Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance
at California State University, Sacramento, Elizabeth Grunin
has been a very active performer in the Sacramento and Bay Area
music scenes. Miss Gruinn was a member of both the Sacramento
and San Francisco Youth Symphony orchestras. More recently,
she has been a member of the Camellia, University of California,
Davis and CSUS Symphony orchestras. Both as a soloist and
a member of a variety of chamber ensembles, Miss Grunin has performed
in many of the reputable venues in the Sacramento Valley including
the Crocker Art Museum. She has also been the recipient
of the KCRA Channel 13 Scholarship for SummerArts. This
past summer she participated in Youth Music International in
Oxford, England. Elizabeth Grunin is looking forward to
a bright future in the classical music scene.
Contact: elgrunin@yahoo.com
City Water and Elizabeth Gruinn
Saturday, April 19
8:00 pm
Tickets: $10
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ST. PAUL'S ANNUAL MUSIC COMPOSITION COMPETITION
WINNERS SHOWCASE
With performances presented by
Vox Musica and the Empyrean Ensemble
To end the season we have a special concert event featuring
the winners from the launch of St. Pauls’ Annual Music
Composition Competition. Please click on the links below
for concert dates, ticket prices, and more information about
our concert offerings.
Vox Musica
"Vox Musica is a “welcome
addition to the music scene.”
– Edward Ortiz, Sacramento Bee
Founded, directed and comprised of young
regional musicians, the eight members of Vox Musica include
trained choral singers, graduates of music programs at fine
colleges and universities, and professional musicians and teachers
from throughout the Sacramento area. Their chamber ensemble
size coupled with the many colours and textures of the women's
voice provides the listener an opportunity to experience a
type of choral singing rarely heard in our community.
Contact: voxmusica.net
Empyrean Ensemble
"Empyrean Ensemble ...provides
some of the most interesting programs of new music in northern
California. The pleasure of hearing your music played by such
an excellent group is indeed an extraordinary privilege..."
– Clark Mitze, KXJZ, Sacramento
Empyrean Ensemble is a professional contemporary
music ensemble devoted to the performance of music of our times.
It not only carries the tradition established by 20th-century
masters, but also actively engenders the creation of new works
written by renowned and emerging composers alike, with its
commissioning, premiering, and recording efforts. By presenting
compelling performances and diverse programming, Empyrean provides
the audience opportunities to experience new musical sensation
with high artistry, given by its seven excellent core musicians,
who are the finest in California specializing in new music
performance. Since its founding in 1988 by composer Ross Bauer
as a professional ensemble-in-residence at UC Davis, the Empyrean
Ensemble has premiered nearly two hundred works and performed
throughout California, including many prominent music festivals
and concert series. It has recorded two full-length CDs, including
an all Mario Davidovsky recording, and has been a featured
ensemble in many others. Empyrean is now co-directed by composers
Kurt Rohde and Laurie San Martin.
Contact: music.ucdavis.edu/empyrean
ST. PAUL'S ANNUAL MUSIC COMPOSITION COMPETITION WINNERS SHOWCASE
Friday, June 6
8pm
Tickets: Free
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Derek Keller
“A distinctly new American sound.”
– Edward Ortiz, Sacramento Bee
Derek Keller is an award-winning composer and
guitarist. His music investigates the coexistence, intermingling
and hybridity between academic and popular spheres of musical
expression. He recently finished a commission from John Zorn.
This new work, Impositions and Consequences, along with several
other pieces is featured on a new CD on Zorn’s Tzadik label. In
addition, Keller has also received commissions from Fondation
Royaumont, RedFishBlueFish, NOISE, Cantoria Choir at Truman State
University, Cappella Gloriana, Athens Master Chorale and Mark
Menzies. His music has been performed in the U.S., Mexico, France,
Germany and Brazil. In addition to being a composer, Keller
is an accomplished guitarist. Aside from his own ensemble, Keller
performs with Colin McAllister as the McAllister Keller Guitar
Duo and has recently has been performing with the Sacramento-based
jazz fusion ensemble, Kairos. Keller has performed in master
classes with Christopher Parkening. Keller’s guitar mentor
is John Sutherland, of Atlanta.
Contact: derekkeller.com
