Fables and Folklore
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 4:00PM
First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704Conductor Carolyn Kuan of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra closes Berkeley Symphony’s 25/26 Symphonic Series with a celebration of folk tunes, myths, and stories. Folk Songs for orchestra, inspired by composer Huang Ruo’s upbringing, transforms traditional Chinese songs into new works that speak with his voice. Clarice Assad then transports us to Brazilian forests, warning us to be wary of mischievous Saci-Pererê, a shapeshifter brought to life by Bay Area guitar soloist Marc Teicholz, for whom the concerto was written. We end our journey in the Czech countryside with Antonín Dvořák, who filled his Eighth Symphony with the folk tunes of his beloved home country.
Huang Ruo
Folk Songs for orchestra
Clarice Assad
Concerto for Guitar and Chamber Orchestra, O Saci-Pererê
Marc Teicholz
Antonín Dvořák
Symphony No. 8
About the Artists
Carolyn Kuan
Marc Teicholz
Described by Soundboard magazine as “among the best we have ever heard,” Teicholz’s performances throughout the world include tours of the United States, Canada, Russia, Poland, Switzerland, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Fiji. His recitals and master classes have received critical acclaim, and he has been featured in concert with orchestras in Spain, Portugal, California and Hawaii. Teicholz is currently on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory, and has taught at the California Summer Arts Festival and the Weatherfield Music festival in Vermont.