In Wednesday’s (10/24) San Jose Mercury News (California), Cheryl North writes, “Eisenach, Germany, had its phenomenal Bach family musical dynasty headed by Johann Sebastian back in the 17th and 18th centuries—and now, Oakland has a musical family dynasty of its own. The Cohen family, headed by matriarch Eleanor, is a modern version. She is an accomplished pianist, soprano, teacher of voice and a highly esteemed emeritus professor of music at what was formerly called Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay). … Her youngest son, Jeremy, 55, is currently adding to his family’s musical might with the world premiere of his latest composition, ‘Concerto Carnevale,’ a concerto for a string quartet (rather than a single soloist) performing as ‘soloist’ with a full symphony orchestra. The Marin Symphony is presenting the work as the highlight of the two Italian-themed concerts to open its 60th season. Music director Alasdair Neale will conduct, with Cohen’s Quartet San Francisco as the concerto’s soloists. … He has performed as soloist with many symphony orchestras, but he also performs at such jazz venues as Yoshi’s. … His primary passion at present seems to be Quartet San Francisco, an ensemble so good that in 2004, it was awarded first prize in the International Tango Competition in New York City.”
Posted October 26, 2012
