First Time Concert Goer Free Event

Main Stage Concert: The Goldberg Variations

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra presents a special Main Stage Concert featuring Johann Sebastian Bach's brilliant Goldberg Variations in a virtuoso arrangement for string orchestra. These variations—one of Bach's crowning achievements—are a set of thirty-two short pieces that range from thirty seconds to several minutes in length. Each variation is derived from a single, simple, musical pattern, which is presented in the opening Aria. Dances such as gigues and sarabandes are then interleaved with canons and fugues, deriving incredible diversity from that one pattern. Together, they offer a comprehensive, almost encyclopedic view of Bach’s musical world. There's even a quodlibet. What's that? Come and find out!

The concert begins with a talk by Music Director Ben Simon, who will explain the work's fascinating architecture and unlock its secrets with live musical examples.

Bach’s only set of variations is dedicated to his friend and pupil, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who needed a piece to help sooth his master, Count Keyserling—a notorious insomniac!

The Goldberg Variations have been challenging keyboard masters since 1741, and there are now challenging string players the world over.

Classical masterpieces, unusual gems, and new commissions offer something for everyone at our Main Stage Concerts! Be sure to join Maestro Ben Simon for an engaging and informative onstage-talk 30 minutes before each concert. Concerts are approximately 90 to 120 minutes in length.

Admission is free, but tickets are required for non-members! Reserve online using the "Click for Tickets" buttons below, or call 415.692.5258 to make your reservation by phone. Doors open to the public 45 minutes before concert time.

SFCO supporting members receive priority seating and do not need tickets. Please bring membership card to concert, and please arrive no later than 15 minutes before concert time to guarantee yourself a seat. Doors open to SFCO supporting members 60 minutes before concert time.