Contemporary music, modern art in a San Francisco museum

Sunset, April, 1985

The mingling of new music with modern art seemed logical, so six years ago the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players began offering concerts in the galleries of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The series was so successful that the 15-member group has doubled its performances and now commissions new works as well.

For concertgoers there's a further bonus: a somewhat private look into the fourth floor galleries before the music begins (performances are Monday evenings, when the museum is otherwise closed).

The concerts consist of works by living composers, mostly Californians. Some are played in the galleries, others performed in the Green Room.

On April 22, three works will be presented: Fantasia Concertante, Partiels, and one untitled. On May 6: Sonata da Camera II, Waterways, Chansons de Bilitis, and one untitled work. The main art exhibition coinciding with both concerts is "Hockney Paints the Stage"--stage environments by David Hockney.

The concerts begin at 8 P.M.; tickets cost $8.50 at the door, $7 for museum members and seniors. The museum is located at Van Ness Avenue and McAllister Street.