Fresh Faces on the San Francisco Symphony Podium
Two rising conductors, Afkham and Märkl, take the podium for their SF Symphony premieres. Plus, it’s the the last weekend to catch A.C.T.’s award-winning comedy.
David Afkham says a conducting debut is like meeting someone new. “Every orchestra has its own character; to meet that character, that personality through music is very exciting. I’m very much looking forward to meeting the San Francisco Symphony.”
The conductor, who is chief conductor and artistic director of the Spanish National Orchestra and Chorus, makes his San Francisco Symphony debut this month in a program featuring Shostakovich’s devastating Symphony No. 8 and Sergey Khachatryan performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.
“I’m always very open to listening to the qualities, the traditions, the way of playing, the way of making music together. And then it’s all about give and take. I give my ideas, I listen to their ideas, and at the end, it’s something that we have discovered together, and that’s beautiful. I don’t have a specific routine for the first rehearsal. I just introduce myself, and then immediately, we start making music together. That’s why we’re there!”
Another conductor debuting with the San Francisco Symphony this month is Jun Märkl, who is music director of the Indianapolis Symphony and Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra. Märkl says with a new orchestra, you don’t know at first what the chemistry will be, but he always trusts there will be goodwill on both sides.
On the Stage
Kim’s Convenience
Theatre | American Conservatory Theater
Now – October 19 | Tickets
This hilarious and heartwarming award-winning comedy drama about a Korean family-run corner store is a feel-good ode to generations of immigrants who have made Canada the country that it is today.
More Events
- Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé | San Francisco Symphony | Now – October 18 | View Program
- Noises Off | San Francisco Playhouse | Now – November 8
- Ivan Lins | SFJAZZ | October 18 – 19
- Philharmonia Orchestra | Cal Performances | October 18 – 19
Next Line
- Ari’el Stachel’s autobiographical show—developed at Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor—heads off-Broadway under its new title, Other. Having watched the show grow from its early stages, audiences can see how Stachel’s story has evolved into a fully realized performance. Directed by Tony Taccone, it runs October 8 to December 6 at Greenwich House Theater.
- What does sanctuary really mean, and how can art help create it? In this conversation, artists and UC Berkeley professors explore the idea of sanctuary and the ways creative work can build connection and community. Watch the video to hear their insights and reflections on finding—and making—spaces where everyone belongs.
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