San Francisco Performances, founded in 1979, is the city's premier presenter of chamber music, vocal and instrumental recitals, jazz and contemporary dance. The mission of the organization is to present internationally acclaimed and emerging artists and to build new and diversified audiences for the arts through education activities and innovative artists-in-residence programs.

Description:
San Francisco Performances celebrates 28 years as the Bay Area's leading independent presenter of chamber music, vocal and instrumental recitals, jazz and contemporary dance. Under the artistic direction of its founder, Ruth Felt, the organization presents internationally acclaimed and emerging performing artists, introduces innovative programs, and builds new and diversified audiences for the arts through education and outreach activities that also strengthen the local performing arts community.

SFP is also committed to presenting artistically important programs that influence the development of the arts. This includes commissioning new works, offering programs featuring 20th and 21st century compositions and premieres, and presenting important American and international contemporary dance companies.

History:
San Francisco Performances is recognized internationally as one of the leading presenting organizations in the world. Founded in 1979 by Ruth A. Felt and a small group of dedicated music patrons, San Francisco Performances set out with an ambitious program designed to make an important contribution to the growth and vitality of an already vibrant arts scene.

From a first season of just seven performances, San Francisco Performances’ seasons have grown significantly to feature more than 200 education programs and mainstage performances of chamber music, recitals, contemporary dance, and jazz. San Francisco Performances has led the way in presenting today’s great artists in solo recitals, most often in the intimate acoustics of Herbst Theatre. Over the years, the organization has presented over 100 important debuts and premieres, introducing such acclaimed artists as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and soprano Dawn Upshaw. In addition, its arts education and community outreach programs take artists beyond the footlights directly into schools and neighborhoods, reaching more than 12,000 children and adults annually.

San Francisco Performances established its education program in the San Francisco Unified School District in 1989. The program is now considered a model of presenter-based community education. In 18 years the program has expanded from one resident ensemble serving a few schools to five resident artists/ensembles providing instruction for 2,500 students. In 2001, the San Francisco Foundation awarded San Francisco Performances its Community Leadership Award in recognition of the organization’s ongoing dedication to arts education.

Contact person: Cate Thomason-Redus, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 398-6449
Office fax number: 415-398-6439

Address:

500 Sutter Street, Suite 710 San Francisco, CA 94102 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.performances.org

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Korean
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No