Weil Hall opens season with Wynton Marsalis

Weill Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center (GMC) will kick off its upcoming season October 1, 2016, featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

The 2016–2017 MasterCard Performance Series celebrates the fifth anniversary of the opening of Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall. The season runs through May 5, 2017 and comprises 31 performances representing the finest talent across the genres of classical orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo recital music; jazz, folk and popular music; and world music and dance.

“As we approach Weill Hall’s fifth season, we are unwavering in our mission to bring the finest international talent to Sonoma County and to extend enriching educational opportunities to both the university campus and the community at large,” said board Chairman Sandy Weill. “Bringing both extraordinary performers and creative educational initiatives to this area has always been a cornerstone of our vision and this season is a fine showcase of both the reputation for excellence we have established and our exciting plans for the future.”

The season will showcase the quality and diversity of programming the venue has become known for in its short but rich history (gmc.sonoma.edu). Solo classical artists include some of the most important pianists performing today: Denis Matsuev, Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, and Richard Goode. Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra with conductor Nicholas McGegan return for a program featuring acclaimed master of the fortepiano, Robert Levin; and preeminent bass-baritone Eric Owens presents a solo recital with accompanist Myra Huang.

“The fifth season of Weill Hall is an important milestone for this organization, and one that allows the opportunity for reflection,” said co-Executive Director Larry Furukawa-Schlereth. “The Green Music Center has - in a remarkably short timespan - transformed the cultural and musical landscape of Sonoma County, expanded the educational opportunities of many thousands of Sonoma State University Students, and opened the doors to countless future possibilities.”

A variety of the finest chamber musicians from around the country will also perform, including The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio; Tetzlaff-Vogt Duo; Wu Han, Phillip Setzer and David Finckel; the Zukerman Trio; The Miró Quartet with pianist Anne-Marie McDermott; and the Akademie fu¨r Alte Musik Berlin.

“The 2016–’17 season is Weill Hall’s fifth anniversary season, and to mark the achievements of this fine venue, we have planned a showcase of outstanding talent across many genres of music,” said Co-Executive Director Zarin Mehta. “From award-winning soloists to internationally acclaimed ensembles, this season truly exhibits the diversity and excellence of programming this organization is now known for.”

The Green Music Center continues its commitment to bringing jazz greats to Sonoma County with performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, pianist Brad Mehldau, a double bill of trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, and beloved pianist and singer Michael Feinstein. Spoken-word and folk-music performers will be two legends: Garrison Keillor and Arlo Guthrie.

World music and dance from around the world includes Cuban singer Omara Portuondo with special guests Roberto Fonseca, Anat Cohen and Regina Carter; flamenco guitarist Tomatito; Zakir Hussain, tabla with Niladri Kumar, sitar; singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo; The Five Irish Tenors; Leela Dance; and Che Malambo.

Celebrating the holidays this winter season is the Vienna Boys Choir; Tommy Emmanuel, along with guests Pat Bergeson, Annie Sellick and John Knowles perform his Classics & Christmas Tour; local favorites the American Bach Soloists perform Handel’s Messiah; Saxophonist Dave Koz with Valerie Simpson.

Weill Hall also presents a special family performance by Disney’s Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve! Tickets for this performance are offered at reduced prices.

Tickets go on sale to MasterCard cardholders and 2015–2016 GMC Season subscribers on Thursday, June 2 at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public June 8 at 10 a.m. via 866-955-6040 or gmc.sonoma.edu.