We know of the frightful weather in the Christmas song that implores Santa to “let it snow,” but SF Performances will offer something frightful indoors at Herbst Theatre on October 31 — appropriately enough — when the Kronos Quartet and pianist Timo Andres plan to scare and delight the audience on Halloween night.
Selections from Philip Glass’s Dracula score, Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho film score, and George Crumb’s Black Angels will be featured. Andres will give the world premiere of an Edward Gorey-inspired piano work by Gabriel Kahane.
The concert is among additions to the previously announced SF Performances 2025/2026 season which spans seven months, from a Schumann recital by tenor Mark Padmore and pianist Paul Lewis on September 26, to a concert by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain on May 1, 2026.
The variety of offerings reflects SF Performances President Melanie Smith’s programming philosophy to present world-class artists, and “not only gentlemen in powdered wigs.”
Also among the upcoming season’s highlights will be the popular Saturday Morning Series of lecture/ concerts featuring the debut of the Esmé Quartet. Music Historian-in-Residence Dr. Robert Greenberg, who is celebrating his 25th anniversary in that role, will participate in the series, which beings on September 27. The subject this season is the life and works of Franz Schubert.
Beyond the Christian Tetzlaff Quartet’s cancellation of its U.S. tour in protest against the Trump Administration, SF Performances reports “no artist cancellations as of this writing, and we are hopeful that holds through the season.”
As to the nation-wide limitations of federal funding, an SF Performances representative said, “We were disappointed, but not surprised, that we did not receive National Endowment for the Arts funding for our upcoming season. We did receive our full funding for the 2024-25 season.
“We continue to seek new sources of funding. It’s no secret some foundation monies have dried up as organizations adjust their funding priorities. We're in the same boat as other arts organizations in this regard. Our donors continue to be very supportive, and we are grateful for each and every donation.”
Melanie Smith told SF Classical Voice: “In challenging times, we are drawn to the arts not just as an escape or for solace, but to connect with others for a shared, resonant experience. We’re grateful to be able to provide a space for great artists to create meaningful moments that inspire us as much as our audience.”
Season subscriptions are available at sfperformances.org or by phone at (415) 677–0325. Tickets for individual events go on sale August 27.