Harpsichord Horizons: A Monthly Celebration of Early Music
Performance-Pedagogy-Community
Join us for Harpsichord Horizons, a regular event that gives students, teachers, and community members in the San Francisco Bay Area a chance to sit down with historical keyboard instruments and leading experts in historical performance.
You don't need to be an expert to attend—if you're a student trying out the harpsichord for the first time, a teacher looking for new repertoire, or just a community member who loves the sound of a harpsichord, there’s a seat at the table for you. We always include a shared meal because we think music is best enjoyed with good food and real conversation.
Our sessions are led by distinguished specialists and experienced pedagogues in historical performance, offering participants direct access to world-class expertise in an approachable, casual setting. For our Saturday, October 17 session, we’re thrilled to feature Lillian Gordis, Assistant Professor of Harpsichord and Eaton Chair in Baroque Music at the University of Colorado Boulder. We’ll also have one of the Bay Area’s finest instruments on hand: a German double-manual harpsichord built in Tuscany by Bruce Kennedy.
The event is free of charge, but we do ask that you RSVP to give us an accurate headcount for food.
🎹 What to expect?
For students: A low-pressure, studio-style setting to perform and get direct feedback from an expert.
For teachers: A great excuse to catch up with colleagues and introduce your studio to historical performance practices.
For parents and music lovers: A chance to learn the history of the harpsichord and hear a stunning instrument played live in an intimate room.
⏱️ Session Schedule | Saturday, october 17th | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Studio Showcase
Selected students perform prepared pieces.
Live coaching focusing on touch, articulation, and Baroque style.
An engaging deep dive into historical repertoire and performance practice.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Dinner
📩 want to play?
We invite teachers to nominate their students, and students to nominate themselves for the Studio Showcase—simply indicate interest with your RSVP. You don't need to have experience with the harpsichord to perform!
❤️ Support Us
Our generous donors help keep Harpsichord Horizons free of charge. If you’d like to help us keep these events accessible to everyone, consider making a tax-deductible contribution.