Join the Palo Alto Philharmonic and clarinet soloist Steve Sánchez in a journey through the brilliance of classical form in all its variety. From the beautiful melodies of quintessential Mozart to the quirky, fun inventive energy of Neo-Classical composers Igor Stravinsky and Jean Françaix, experience the energetic highs and soothing harmonies of Classical and Neoclassical music.
Composed in 1921, Stravinsky’s Suite No. 2 combines elements of the Baroque and Classical eras with a modern twist. Composed during Stravinsky’s time in Paris, this piece utilizes dance forms making for an energetic and lively performance.
A Neo-Classical orchestral composition featuring clarinet, this piece showcases French composer Françaix’s ability to mix Classical form with modern elements. Featuring harmonic language that is soothing and relaxing, this piece is a vibrant complement of clarinet solo and orchestral backdrop.
The quintessential Classical composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart premiered his Symphony No. 38 in Prague, explaining why this piece is often referred to as his “Prague Symphony”. Following the “fast-slow-fast” three-movement structure of early Classical Era music, this piece heavily utilizes wind instruments throughout – a symphonic technique that would later be followed by composers such as Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert.
Steve Sánchez, San Francisco native, has been performing as 2nd/auxiliary clarinet for the San Francisco Symphony. He is also a frequent guest clarinetist with the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet Orchestras.
Steve has recorded and performed nationally with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and internationally with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Steve has toured extensively with the SFS and can be heard on almost every recording since 2011, including the 2023 release of Stravinky’s Rite of Spring with Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting. In addition to symphonic work, Steve can be heard in the Skywalker Symphony, usually on recordings for Blizzard Entertainment, which produces scores for the ongoing World of Warcraft Saga, Overwach, HALO, and other Disney projects. His most recent 2023 score is “The Boston Strangler,” which is a HULU release.
He received his Masters in Music from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, and his BA in Music from Cal State East Bay. His principal teachers include Dan Gilbert and Fred Ormand; in addition to coachings and master classes with Stephen Williamson, and Yehuda Gilad. As an educator, Steve is currently Professor of Clarinet at San Jose State University School of Music. He has additionally been on the faculties of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and summer teaching at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Away from the clarinet, Steve is passionate about vintage horology, viticulture and oenology, travel, and locating the perfect cappuccino.
