Upcoming Events

From SFJAZZ: In keeping with the mandate from the Governor of California and the City and County of San Francisco to not hold public events or large gatherings, SFJAZZ has postponed all shows and education events through May 11th. Kronos Performing Arts Association’s rehearsals and performances of ‘At War With Ourselves’ were scheduled for May 4 – 10 at Bayview Opera House and SFJAZZ Center. All of these activities have been canceled and we look forward to announcing new dates soon. If you would like a refund, or to make other arrangements, please contact our Box Office.

At War With Ourselves
Michael Abels, composer
Nikky Finney, librettist

Performed by Kronos Quartet, Nikky Finney, voices (TBD), and choir conducted by Valérie Sainte-Agathe

Janet Cowperthwaite, producer
Kronos Performing Arts Association, production management

From SFJAZZ’s website: “A world premiere from composer Michael Abels, At War With Ourselves is an evening-length work for string quartet, chorus and spoken word, originally commissioned by new music’s premier ensemble, the Kronos Quartet, who perform for these two exclusive nights. Best known as the soundtrack composer for writer/director Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning 2017 horror film Get Out and 2019 follow-up Us, Abels blends modern classical composition with popular forms rooted in the American tradition.

“Abels’ orchestral work Global Warming has had over 100 performances by the nation’s most prominent symphony orchestras, and he has received commissions from the Nashville Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Los Angeles Opera. Recently, Abels composed the score for Stefon Bristol’s Spike Lee-produced sci-fi film See You Yesterday and contributed to Kathryn Bigelow’s 2017 crime film Detroit.

“With a libretto by poet Nikky Finney, whose many honors include the National Book Award for her 2011 volume Head Off & Split, the piece explores the ongoing conundrum of race relations and movements for social justice, civil rights and resistance. Layering musical elements to produce a richly nuanced work in keeping with the complexity of the subject matter Abels is working with Kronos Quartet and chorus director Valérie Sainte-Agathe. In ensuring that perspectives of younger generations are part of the conversation, Kronos has partnered with Youth Speaks, 826 Valencia, and Sunset Youth Services for a series of workshops and community outreach activities including artist residencies by Abels and Finney.”