Our 40th anniversary showcases alumni, faculty, and friends from across the decades in a year-long celebration. Filled with sublime performances, original commissions, and a new chamber music festival, the celebration culminates with a Hertz Hall concert and reunion at Crowden!
May 25, 2024
40th Anniversary Concert
Hertz Hall (101 Cross-Spraul Path, UC Berkeley)
An unforgettable showcase of Crowden alumni, mentors, and friends at Hertz Hall, including Bonnie Hampton, Audrey Vardanega, the Catalyst Quartet, and more. This program features perennial Crowden favorites paired with special moments, including a work composed by our greatest benefactor, composer Gordon Getty, and the world premiere of a 40th anniversary commission by alum Samuel Carl Adams ('00), performed by our Crowden School musicians and two acclaimed Crowden violinists: Nora Chastain, a student of our founder Anne Crowden, and alumnus David McCarroll (’99), Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony, formerly a membor of the famed Vienna Piano Trio.
- Violinists David McCarroll (’99) and Nora Chastain (student of Anne Crowden) performing a Samuel Adams ('00) 40th anniversary commission with an orchestra of Crowden faculty, alumni, and current students
- Catalyst Quartet: Mendelssohn Octet
- Bonnie Hampton-led cello ensemble
- Friction Quartet performing Carrot Revolution by Gabriella Smith ('05, John Adams Young Composers Program)
- Audrey Vardanega ('09) performs works by Piazzolla
- Gordon Getty composition TBA
- Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams (an Anne Crowden favorite)
- John Adams Young Composers Program student premiere, performed by The Crowden School Lower School Orchestra
May 26, 2024
40th Anniversary Reunion Brunch
Crowden Music Center (1475 Rose St., Berkeley)
Welcome! Whether you are a Crowden School alum (from the church basement or from Rose Street), an alum of any program, family of an alum, or faculty, staff, Board, or donor of Crowden at any point in the past 40 years, you are invited to attend.
Brunch will be served indoors and outdoors, music will be performed by faculty and alums, welcome addresses will open the day, a pop-up play-in will form for those interested, and time and space will be made for mingling, touring Crowden studios and classrooms, viewing Crowden memorabilia by decade, and snapping photos with old and new friends. Click the link below to receive a personalized invitation.
Sundays @ Four Concerts featuring illustrious Crowden alumni & faculty
World Premiere 40th Anniversary Commission
Our Anniversary commemorations officially began at this May's Crowden School Spring concert, where our inspiring young musicians and conductor Eugene Sor premiered our first 40th anniversary commission, Capybaraology by alum Gabriella Smith ('05, John Adams Young composers Program). Watch the riveting performance below!
February 2024
Chamber Music Festival with the Alexander String Quartet
Crowden is proud to present our inaugural chamber music festival with longtime friends and mentors the Alexander String Quartet.
June 2024
Cello Bash
How many celli fit into Hoefer Auditorium? Find out at our informal cello play-in!
Thank you to our 40th Anniversary media sponsor:
