Upcoming Events
Philharmonia Baroque’s Artist Salons - Shunske Sato
Monday, April 20 at 12:00 pm
Philharmonia Baroque’s Artist Salons are pre-concert talks led by performers, scholars, and guest artists. Offered a few weeks before each concert set, they give audiences historical and cultural context in an engaging setting and are designed to deepen your connection to the music.
In this Artist Salon, Shunske Sato presents a 45-minute lecture and demonstration focusing on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, which he will lead from the violin in Philharmonia’s Kinks and Quirks concerts next month. He’ll trace the roots of Beethoven’s originality to the symphonies of C.P.E. Bach, whose bold, unpredictable style shaped a generation of composers—from Mozart, to Beethoven, to a teenage Mendelssohn.
Hosted at San José State University’s Center for Beethoven Studies, this event also offers a rare chance to view highlights from the collection, including a first edition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.
Shunske Sato is a violinist, conductor, chamber musician, soloist, and teacher. The diversity of his activities reflects his versatile and resourceful nature. Historically informed performance practice is central to his identity and allows him to inhabit the music and communicate with audiences in dramatic, revelatory ways. He directs and appears as soloist with period instrument ensembles as well as symphonic orchestras around the world, and has led several staged productions as well. Resident in The Netherlands, Shunske has been a faculty member of the Amsterdam Conservatory since 2013.
Advanced registration is required to attend.
Beethoven Ball
Save the Date!
Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:00pm
75 South 11th Street San José Woman’s Club
The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies and American Beethoven Society invite
you to attend the third Beethoven Ball.
Come and dance the waltzes, Ländler and contradances of the early nineteenth century Viennese ballroom to the music of Beethoven and his contemporaries. Featuring live orchestra and professional dance performances. Prof. Joan Walton (SJSU) will call the dances.
Previous dance experience is not necessary. Period costume (Regency) admired but not required.
Purchase your ticket here!
Beethoven Center Noontime Concert
May 7 at Noon
Beethoven Center, 5th Floor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, San Jose CA 95112
Performers: Yeonglee Kim (violin) and Akira Kaku (piano)
Program:
Beethoven: Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50 (piano reduction)
Rachmaninoff: Romance in A minor for Violin and Piano
Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30 No. 3
All concerts take place at 12:00 and are followed by an informal coffee reception and open-house. These concerts are free to attend.
The series is made possible by generous support from the Davis Family Foundation.
