The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra’s outstanding concertmaster Robin Sharp leads her eponymous ensemble in a program of string quartet masterpieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Joined by SFCO All-Stars Natasha Makhijani (violin), Ben Simon (viola), and Eric Gaenslen (cello) this kickoff concert to our 2024-25 Classical at the Freight season features string quartets from the classical era’s greatest composers.

Natasha Makhijani, Jory Fankuchen, Clio Tilton and Samsun van Loon comprise the CMSSF, one of the Bay Area’s most beloved classical ensembles. Bringing world-class chamber masterworks, with a flair for storytelling, to diverse audiences, their long-awaited return to the Freight is certain to be an evening to enjoy and remember.

Our annual salute to the Salzburg scribbler, celebrating Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 269 th birthday with a program of chamber music masterpieces. Featuring violinist Hrabba Atladottir, violist Ben Simon, cellist Samsun van Loon and our very special guest, noted Bay Area pianist Robert Schwartz, this concert presents Mozart’s dramatic Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor plus a masterpiece for string trio, the Divertimento in Eb Major.

Our celebration of the music of Franz Schubert centers around his famous Trout Quintet, with Karen Shinozaki (violin), Ben Simon (viola), Eugene Sor (cello), Michel Taddei (double bass), and rising star Audrey Vardanega (piano). Also on the program is Bay Area favorite Ann Moss (soprano) singing Die Forelle (The Trout) upon which the Trout Quintet is based. Ann and Audrey will also present a selection of beautiful Schubert songs. Let the genius of Schubert carry you away through beautiful performances of some of his best-loved pieces.

Out of the opera pit and onstage at the Freight, we welcome back the SF Opera’s stellar concertmaster Kay Stern. Her annual Classical at the Freight appearance is always an audience favorite, and will feature Kay, her daughter Shaleah Feinstein (violin), Ben Simon (viola) and Michael Graham (cello). The program is still tbd, so stay tuned… the string quartet repertoire is so vast and so wonderful, it’s hard to choose!

Five friends and San Francisco Chamber Orchestra All-Stars meet for fun and chamber music one Monday each month. Violinists Liana Berubé & Evan Price, violists Stephanie Ng & Ben Simon and cellist Michael Graham are the Monday Night Chamber Music Society, teaming up for their sixth annual Classical at the Freight program. A program of terrific string quintets is being planned so stay tuned for details.