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Enlighten Me


A woman with shoulder-length black hair is looking off to the side, holding a violin and bow. She is wearing a black dress, and is standing against a multicolor gradient-lit backgroubnd. She has a slight smile.

ENLIGHTEN ME

JANUARY 23–24, 2026

Karen Shinozaki Sor, Violin


American violinist Simone Porter leads this collaboration between New Century and students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in this musical tour of illumination. Featuring works from the 12th to the 21st century, each piece on the program depicts different kinds of light: light from nature, light that inspires or clarifies, light that bestows joy.  Beginning with Andrew Norman's Sabina, written in response to an ecstatic experience watching the sun rise in an ancient Roman cathedral, and moving through the upward gaze of Hildegard von Bingen's antiphon to divine wisdom, the program concludes with Mozart's Divertimento in F Major, the very spirit of levity and brilliance.

A woman with short, blond curly hair is facing the camera with a slight smile. She is standing against a gray background, holding a violin on her shoulder, and is wearing a black sleeveless dress.

SIMONE PORTER 

Guest Leader

 

DATES & VENUES

Friday, January 23, 2026: 7:30PM*
Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University, 327 Lasuen Street, Stanford

*Presented by Stanford Live; not available through New Century subscription. Visit live.stanford.edu for tickets & information.

Saturday, January 24, 2026: 7:30PM
Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco

FEATURED ARTIST

SIMONE PORTER
Guest Leader

Students of the
SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

PROGRAM:

ANDREW NORMAN
Sabina

HEINRICH BIBER
Battalia à 10

HILDEGARD VON BINGEN
O virtus sapientiae (Oh Divine Wisdom)

JUHI BANSAL
Cathedral of Light

J.S. BACH
Violin Concerto in E Major
Simone Porter, violin

HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 9

W.A. MOZART
Divertimento in F Major


Save 25% off regular ticket prices when you make this concert part of your New Century subscription.

 

A man with short gray hair is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a green checked blazer and a blue striped shirt.

A SEASON HONORING GORDON GETTY

Our 2025–26 season is a very special one, dedicated in full to Mr. Gordon Getty, our greatest supporter and a true champion of the arts. His extraordinary vision and generosity have profoundly shaped New Century Chamber Orchestra. This season celebrates his remarkable legacy and enduring impact of his support.

 
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December 11

In Winter’s Glow

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March 13

Luminaries