ARS at the Berkeley Festival and Exhibition

2024 Berkeley Festival and Exhibition
Sunday, June 9 through Sunday, June 16
https://berkeleyfestival.org/

The 18th annual Berkeley (CA) Festival and Exhibition (BFX) was held this summer, produced by the San Francisco Early Music Society (SFEMS).

Over the course of eight days, BFX concerts were offered by local, national and international artists. For the first time, mainstage performances were pay-what-you-can. Also happening were the Fringe’s independently-produced concerts by soloists and ensembles from around the world—as well as the three-day exhibition June 13-15, featuring dozens of national and international makers and sellers of historical instruments, music scores, books and other items. ARS was represented at a table staffed by volunteers at the Exhibition, with fun giveaway items like ARS pencils and travel toothbrushes as well as some tote bags.

ARS Great Recorder Relay
The ARS Distinguished Achievement Award and Presidential Special Honor Award were presented to Hanneke van Proosdij and Peter R. Ballinger (respectively) at the start of the ARS Great Recorder Relay. Gail Nickless received a framed certificate of appreciation for her 30 years of ARS service upon her retirement this summer.

This popular event, comprising two hours of recitals, showcased local groups and outstanding recorder talent. Performances included solo work and consorts, young performers and established virtuosi, classical works and contemporary pieces—just about anything an audience might want to hear. Thanks to local ARS Board members Greta Haug-Hryciw and David Benefiel as well as Glen Shannon and all the other volunteers for helping make this event a successful one!

Photographs: David Benefiel