For the first full summer series in its grand new Weill Hall, and under the direction of new Executive and Artistic Directors Larry Furukawa-Schlereth and Emmanuel Morlet, Sonoma's Green Music Center is announcing today MasterCard Performance Series Summer 2013.
Programs range from Yo-Yo Ma's "Goat Rodeo Sessions" (Aug. 24) to the San Francisco Symphony's "Music from the Movies" show (Aug. 4), conducted by Sarah Hicks, and for the best of summer pops: Pink Martini (July 14).
The Russian National Orchestra will feature Carlo Montanaro, Sarah Chang, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet (July 16), in partnership with Napa Valley’s Festival del Sole, where the RNO is an annual participant, and "pianoSonoma" workshop and festival will be held for the first time (culminating with a concert on Aug. 10), in association with the Juilliard School.
The El Gusto Orchestra makes its local debut (Aug. 11). Film director Safinez Bousbia had come upon the story of El Gusto, a group of Jewish and Muslim artists separated by war in Algeria more than 50 years ago, but brought together by a shared passion for Chaâbi — a musical blend of Berber, Andalusian, and Flamenco-influenced sounds meaning "of the people." The 20-piece El Gusto orchestra stars in Bousbia’s documentary, which will be screened at the concert.
Summer accomodations will take advantage of Weill Lawn, Green Music Center’s outdoor spaces seating an audience of up to 6,000.