THE OAKMONT CONCERT SERIES 22nd SEASON: 2012

This quintet unites virtuoso musicians offering a full range of repertoire from three centuries. All members of the Stanford University faculty, they have performed together since 1988. The group includes principal players from the San Francisco and San Jose Opera Orchestras. Their program will feature piano quintets by Beethoven and Mozart, as well as a woodwind trio by Erwin Schulhoff.

We welcome the return from Chicago of violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, cellist David Cunliffe, and pianist Marta Aznavoorian. Winners of the 2008 Masterplayers International Music Competition in Venice, Italy, they have recently taken part in the Ravinia Music Festival's tour of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Dvorak's Dumky Trio, fresh from the artists' recent Carnegie Hall success, will be included in their Oakmont program.

The quartet combines the talent and experience of the international solo, orchestral, chamber music, and recording careers of its players. In residence at Stanford University from 1983-98, they are now a fully independent touring ensemble. Their program: works by Haydn, Schulhoff, and Schubert.

This special Sunday afternoon program showcases the virtuoso young musicians of the Santa Rosa Symphony's Youth Program. The YPCO is a 20-piece, conductor-less group modeled after the New Century Chamber Orchestra. Director Dawn Dover is an original member of the New Century. The Youth Program's Brass Ensemble will also be heard. This concert is in addition to the regular series. Ticket price: $10, at the door.

Japanese pianist Rieko Aizawa was discovered at age 13 by the late Alexander Schneider, on the recommendation of Mitsuko Uchida, and became the last pupil of the legendary Mieczyslaw Horszowski. She has appeared in recital and orchestral engagements throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, at such venues as Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Boston's Symphony Hall, and Chicago's Orchestra Hall. Her program will include Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata, Chopin's Heroic Polonaise, and selections from Histoires, by Jacques Ibert.

Making their third appearance in Oakmont, Canadian pianists Edward and Anne-Louise Turgeon are both graduates of Yale, and winners of two major international piano duo competitions. They will perform works by Barber, Lutoslawski, Mozart, Liszt, and Ravel.

Described as "a pianist of a bygone era," Barbara Nissman has soloed with many of the world's major orchestras, led by conductors including Eugene Ormandy, Riccardo Muti, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, and Leonard Slatkin. She is the dedicatee of Ginastera's Sonata No. 3 and author of Bartok and the Piano: A Performer's View. Ms. Nissman has recorded Recital Favorites by Nissman, some of which she will perform in Oakmont.

This gifted duo will be remembered for their 2008 performance at Oakmont. They return with a program of Beethoven, Sibelius, Lutoslawski, and Prokofiev. Ms. Tichman is the Associate Concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony, and Mr. Shapiro is on the faculty of Mills College.

Native Californian Ashu, just 26, has repeatedly defied convention by winning major competitions traditionally dominated by pianists and violinists. He has appeared internationally both as recitalist and soloist with leading orchestras. Program will include works by Ibert, Rachmaninoff, Korngold, and Piazzolla. An unusual treat by a master, not to be missed.

Ms. Culp, a member of the Kronos Quartet for seven years, is currently on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory. Dr. Woo, long a favorite of Oakmont audiences, is especially noted for her Schubertiades. She serves on the faculty of UC Berkeley and the Dominican University of California. Featured on their program will be the Rachmaninoff Sonata for Cello and Piano, Beethoven Variations, and a Scriabin Etude.

Born and raised in San Diego, with heritage in Guadalajara, Mexico, this prizewinning virtuoso pianist is a graduate of Juilliard. In his third appearance in Oakmont, where he has been enthusiastically received, he will perform works including Beethoven's great sonata, the Appassionata.

Mr. Swensen, an alumnus of Juilliard and the Eastman School of Music, is one of the few musicians to be awarded the Naumburg International Competition's top prize for both chamber music and violin. Mr. Teicholz, a first-prize winner in the 1989 International Guitar Foundation of America Competition, has toured extensively throughout the world. The two will present works for solo guitar as well as for violin and guitar. Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata will be heard, as well as compositions by Bach, Piazzolla, and others.

Violinist Sarn Oliver and cellist Peter Wyrick are Juilliard alumni, both members of the San Francisco Symphony, where Mr. Wyrick holds the post of Associate Principal Cello. Pianist June Choi Oh is a faculty member of the San Francisco Conservatory and the Dominican University of California. All three are distinguished for their solo and chamber music appearances throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

All concerts are subject to change. They are held at Berger Center in Oakmont, and start usually at 1:30 PM., although the Mar. 11 concert is at 2 PM, and the Aug. 9 concert is at 7 PM. The fee for an individual concert (except for special concerts) is $15, payable at the door. Season tickets for the regular 12 concerts may be purchased for $120 and are available at the Nov., Dec., Jan., and Feb. concerts only. Concerts are open to Oakmont residents and their friends and guests.