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The State of the Arts

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Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.

11/25/2025
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Bolero, Obsession, and the Brain

"Unraveling Bolero" artist Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel's shared experience with progressive aphasia is explored at a San Francisco symposium on arts and brain science.

09/18/2024
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A Sampling of Birdcalls in the Concert Hall

Explore how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Respighi have imitated birdcalls in their works, from the cuckoo to the nightingale, in this tribute to 'Birds in the Orchestra'.

05/19/2022
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Movies About Composers

Explore how films like Amadeus, The Great Waltz, A Song to Remember, and Copying Beethoven depict the lives and works of famous composers, often prioritizing drama over historical accuracy.

03/12/2021
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A Tour Through All of Beethoven’s Quartets

The Alexander String Quartet collaborates with music historian Robert Greenberg for a series exploring Beethoven's quartets. The series, marking Beethoven's 250th birth anniversary, runs from October to May.

03/08/2021
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A New Home for KDFC in the Civic Center

KDFC is moving to the heart of the Civic Center’s Arts District, in the new Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, enhancing its community presence.

06/22/2020
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A Sampling of Birdcalls in the Concert Hall

This article explores how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Messaien have imitated bird songs in their works, using instruments or actual bird recordings to enhance their compositions.

06/01/2020

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Deep Cuts for a Classical Summer

Explore lesser-known classical music pieces that celebrate summer, from composers like Copland, Zaimont, Delius, Mazzoli, Melartin, Prokofiev, Beach, Webern, and Still.

08/10/2026
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A Tribute to Home

Classical California's Brian Lauritzen counts down Gustavo Dudamel's last concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as his tenure as .Music and Artistic Director concludes.

07/29/2026
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An Opera Al Fresco Playlist for A Perfect Evening Under the Stars

Enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars with these operatic gems handpicked by Jennifer Miller Hammel. From Hoffmann's Barcarolle to Turandot's Nessun dorma, each piece sets a unique mood.

07/11/2026
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Classical Kick-Off for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is nearing its final whistle, and we're bidding farewell to each departing team with music from home.

07/09/2026
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How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July

Explore the history of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture's popularity in 4th of July celebrations, its association with fireworks, and its original context in this insightful blog.

06/30/2026
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A fond farewell from "Lueth in the Booth”

A fond farewell from San Francisco Classical California President, Bill Lueth.

06/02/2026