The San Francisco Girls Chorus and Music Director and Principal Conductor Valerie Sainte-Agathe opened the prized institution's 39th season last week at Herbst Theatre with an ambitiously planned and perfectly executed program called "Philip Glass and the Class of '37." Celebrating the composer's 80th birthday with veteran members of the Philip Glass Ensemble, Music Director and keyboardist Michael Riesman and flutist/saxophonist Andrew Sterman, the Chorus included works from three composers who also share a '37 birth year: Buxtehude (1637), Joseph Michael Haydn (1737), and Balakirev (1837).
It was a clever idea that provided a satisfying showcase for the range of the beautifully prepared young singers. Artistic Director Lisa Bielawa continues the organization's stated mission to champion music of our time and centuries past, collaborating with leading artists, ensembles, and organizations. The recent performance offered the first of three chances to hear SFGC in Philip Glass this season. In February 2018, the group makes its Carnegie Hall debut performing "Music with Changing Parts" with the composer and his Ensemble. Shortly thereafter, on Feb. 20, 2018, the program is repeated in San Francisco at Davies Symphony Hall, presented by San Francisco Performances. Traveling in such esteemed company is a well-earned result of the organization's enduring vision, which has garnered five Grammy Awards and three ASCAP/Chorus America Awards for Adventurous Programming.
Any pre-conceived notions of first-time SFGC audience members were quickly dispelled from the opening numbers of the rich and polished concert. Condescending memories of well-meaning amateur societies and high school glee clubs didn't intrude.
Selections from Dietrich Buxtehude's "Salve Jesu" sounded ethereal in their purity, but also displayed a warm and resonant bottom to the group's sound.
Local instrumentalists, performing throughout the evening, gave support and texture to selections from J.M. Haydn's delightful "St. Leopold Mass." Franz Joseph's kid brother shared his sibling's gift for infectious melody. Watching the fresh-faced involvement of the well-blended singers added to the enjoyment.
A trio of soloists - AnaKatrina Cortado, Allegra Kelly (Soloist Intensive members) and Nia Caiani Spaulding (Soprano Section Leader) - offered sophistication beyond their years to "You are Full of Captivating Tenderness" from Mily Balkirev's Forgotten Romance, No. 1.
"Father Death Blues" from "Hydrogen Jukebox" (arranged by Lisa Bielawa and the composer) got the Philip Glass portion of the bill off to an impressive start, with each word of Allen Ginsberg's evocative text clearly enunciated. Again, there was a gratifying sense of mature understanding by the singers.
Knee Play 5 from "Einstein on the Beach" followed, with the Chorus making confident work of the fiendishly difficult score.
They took the one brief break of the night to catch their breath (ah, youth!) for "Vessels" (also arranged by Glass and Bielawa) from the film "Koyaanisqatsi."
The thrilling arc of the program concluded with "The Photographer," Act III. The mesmerizing trademark Glass sound has never been better served.
Special guests Michael Riesman and Andrew Sterman really powered along with the SFGC's high-octane enthusiasm. The elevating collaboration lifted the audience as well, and the standing ovation was genuine and un-self-conscious. It all bodes well for the upcoming Carnegie Hall debut, but Northern Californians have known the SFGC's stellar quality for years.
The young women of the Chorus will continue their participation in the San Francisco Opera's fine revival of Puccini's "Turandot" through Dec. 9, 2017.
Opera Parallele presents Rachel Portman's charming operatic version of "The Little Prince" at Cowell Theater December 1-3, 2017, featuring Members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus School.
December 16-17, the San Francisco Symphony and the SFGC School will join forces to perform the soundtrack music for a holiday screening of "Home Alone" at Davies Symphony Hall. The SFGC's Holiday Concert, "Greetings from All Seasons!" maintains the seasonal cheer at DSH on Dec. 18.
Look out, New York, there is a wonderful surprise coming your way in the New Year.
Members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus tackled works by composer Philip Glass. Photo: Carlin Ma