Harker Concert Series
Join us for our in-person series in our beautiful Rothschild Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2018. For more information about Harker or the Harker Concert Series, contact communications@harker.org.
We’re proud to highlight current and rising musical talent, most of whom also conduct master classes with our students. The evenings begin at 6 p.m. with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages (outdoors), as well as a cash bar for beer and wine. The shows begin at 7 p.m. The Harker Concert Series launched in 2010-11 as part of the school's ongoing commitment to share thoughtful, entertaining and engaging events with the greater Bay Area community.
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2022-23 SEASON
San Jose Chamber Orchestra - "Strings and Things"
Barbara Day Turner, director
Fri., Sept. 30, 7 p.m.
Reception one hour prior to performance, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks, and cash bar for wine and beer. Masks are optional.
For more than 30 years, the San Jose Chamber Orchestra (SJCO) has developed a reputation for presenting exciting music that reflects the diversity and eclecticism of the South Bay. Founded in 1991 by music director Barbara Day Turner, the ensemble has established itself as both world-class performers of works by noted composers (including Hyo-shin Na, Clarice Assad and Joel Friedman) and a place where young up-and-coming artists are given the opportunity to collaborate with established performers and composers. Under Turner’s direction, SJCO has premiered more than 200 works, including six American operas. It is also a frequent collaborator with local organizations such as sjDANCEco and The Choral Project, and more recently the group commissioned 11 new works for RESPONSEWORKS, a project featuring composers’ musical interpretations of the many turbulent events of 2020.
Donny McCaslin
Fri., Nov. 4, 7 p.m.
with Drew Gress, bass, and Johnathan Blake, drums
Reception one hour prior to performance, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks, and cash bar for wine and beer. Masks are optional.
Known to the wider music world for his performance on art-pop icon David Bowie’s final album, “Blackstar,” saxophonist Donny McCaslin is a Grammy-nominated composer and bandleader who has released more than a dozen albums of original music. Born in Santa Cruz, McCaslin first found music at age 12 and performed with this father, a vibraphonist, in his teens, making multiple appearances at the Monterey Jazz Festival by the time he had reached high school. He moved to New York City after attending Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. While performing as a soloist for the Mara Schneider Orchestra, he was noticed by Bowie, who hired McCaslin’s quartet to help realize Bowie’s vision for “Blackstar.” McCaslin’s subsequent album, “Blow,” showcased the influence of his collaboration with Bowie, bringing together elements of jazz and alternative rock.
Cantus - "Alone Together"
Fri., Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
Reception one hour prior to performance, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks, and cash bar for wine and beer. Masks are optional.
The Twin Cities-based vocal ensemble Cantus, now celebrating their 28th season, has received acclaim from across the world for its ability to perform an impressively wide range of music – be it from the Renaissance or the 21st century – at the highest levels. The group has distinguished itself with an approach to learning and creating music that is akin to a group of chamber musicians, working without a conductor and involving every member of the group in the creative process. This system has served the group well, earning it praise from the New Yorker for its “engaging” performances, and from the Washington Post for its “exalting finesse” and “expressive power.” In addition to being world-class performers, the members of Cantus also bring their experience and expertise to more than 5,000 students every year through masterclasses and workshops, as well as an award-winning high school residency program.
Another exciting new season will be announced in September! Those of you who are email subscribers will get an announcement notice. If you’re not on the mailing list, you can subscribe here. We look forward to enjoying another amazing season of music with you!
Harker Concert Series Committee