In a recent publicity photo, we see Alonzo King standing expectantly on the waterfront. Is he waiting for a ferry? Not likely, as his boat came in quite some time ago. And Mr. King is rarely a static figure, as he is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic leaders of an internationally renown dance troupe.
The San Francisco Symphony kicks off its 2021–22 Season with a celebratory opening week of performances conducted by Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen and featuring Collaborative Partner esperanza spalding and the San Francisco-based contemporary ballet company Alonzo King LINES Ballet.
On October 1, Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the San Francisco Symphony in the Re-Opening Night Concert, marking their first opening night concert together since Salonen assumed the post of Music Director last season.
The program includes John Adams’ Slonimsky’s Earbox, Alberto Ginastera’s Estancia Suite, with dancers from LINES Ballet performing original choreography by Alonzo King, Silvestre Revueltas’ Noche de encantamiento from his film score to La noche de los Mayas, and features singer and bassist esperanza spalding and a jazz trio of guest musicians performing Wayne Shorter’s Gaia with the San Francisco Symphony.
Bay Area audiences have multiple opportunities to hear this program, which is repeated in all three of the SF Symphony’s opening week performances—the All San Francisco Concert on September 30, Re-Opening Night on October 1, and the first Orchestral Series concert of the season on October 2.