Bay Area Music Groups
The Bay Area is home to literally hundreds of classical music organizations, from community choruses to world-renowned orchestras, opera companies and chamber ensembles. This listing provides all the vital statistics for Bay Area music groups, as well as a summary of what they do best. Search by type of organization or alphabetically. Note to classical music groups: If your organization is not listed here or there is an error in your listing, please email Eric@sfcv.org.
Farallon Quintet
A dynamic ensemble and the only professional chamber music group focused exclusively on the clarinet quintet (string quartet plus clarinet) repertoire.
Founded: 2012
Artistic Director: Natalie Parker, Dan Flangan, Matthew Oshida, Elizabeth Prior, Jonah Kim
Where to hear them: On recital series throughout the Bay Area and beyond in addition to appearances at museums, hospitals, schools, and retirement communities.
Farallon Recorder Quartet
Founded: 1996
Artistic Director: Letitia Berlin
Where to hear them: concert series all over the USA
Fenix
Founded: 2013
Artistic Director: Merl Saunders Jr.
Where to hear them: Fenix - music supperclub
Festival del Sole
This festival combines classical music performances by international artists with wine and food.
Founded: 2006
Artistic Director: Richard Walker, Director
Where to hear them: Various halls and wineries, Napa Valley
Festival Mozaic
Founded: 1971, formerly San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival
Artistic Director: Scott Yoo
Where to hear them: San Luis Obispo County
Festival of New American Music
Founded: 1978
Artistic Director: Dr. Keith Bohm
Where to hear them: Sacramento State Music Recital Hall
Festival of the Hours
The Festival of the Hours celebrates sacred music in liturgy, presenting each “Hour” of the Anglican cycle of worship—Matins, Eucharist, Evensong, and Compline—in three full days of services. The Festival choirs are open by invitation and audition.
Where to hear them: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland
Festival Opera
Festival opera produces two to three fully staged productions per year with a particular focus on the works of Verdi, Puccini and Mozart.
Founded: 1991
Artistic Director: Michael Morgan
Where to hear them: The Hofmann Theater at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek
Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra
Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra promotes Chinese music as an integral part of Chinese-American culture by training young musicians to play traditional instruments, therefore strengthening the Chinese community and enhancing the cultural diversity and richness of American society.
Founded: 2000
Artistic Director: Gordon Lee
Where to hear them: San Jose City College
Firehouse Arts Center
Founded: opened September 2010
Artistic Director: Rob Vogt, Theater Supervisor
