Ensemble Humanité: Bartók & Schumann!

801 Magnolia Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611, USA

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Ensemble Humanité and the Cecilia String Quartet present Bartók and Schumann 

     A Powerful Afternoon of Chamber Music featuring the Cecilia String Quartet and Clarinetist Bruce Foster

     Ensemble Humanité — an inclusive, community-driven chamber ensemble —proudly presents a special afternoon of chamber music featuring the Cecilia String Quartet and clarinetist Bruce Foster, artists whose musicianship and vision continue to expand the expressive possibilities of classical music. This emotionally rich program highlights two masterful works: Béla Bartók’s Contrasts, a vibrant and rhythmically daring trio for clarinet, violin, and piano, and Robert Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, one of the great Romantic masterpieces of the chamber repertoire. Together, these works create a compelling musical journey—from folk-inspired modernism to the warmth, lyricism, and passion of Romanticism. At the heart of Ensemble Humanité’s mission is the belief that live music can build connection, restore dignity, and create shared joy across all walks of life.
     
About the Ensembles

     Ensemble Humanité: Co-founded by violinist Maki Ishii Sowash and pianist Ayaka Isono, Ensemble Humanité brings chamber music to both traditional concert halls and community spaces such as senior residences and schools—places where music can have its most direct and human impact. In 2025, Ensemble Humanité became an affiliated artist of InterMusic SF, strengthening its capacity to offer inclusive, community-based programming throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The ensemble has also been recognized with a grant from the Zellerbach Family Foundation, supporting its mission of accessible and impactful music-making.

     Cecilia String Quartet: Violins – Maki Ishii Sowash/Michael Long, Viola – Paul Ehrlich, Cello – Victoria Ehrlich. Formed in 2020 during the pandemic, the Cecilia String Quartet is united by a shared passion for bringing chamber music directly into the community. Its members include current and former musicians of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and San Francisco Opera Orchestra, as well as concertmasters of symphony orchestras across California. Known for their dynamic energy, deep musicality, and close ensemble cohesion, the quartet has quickly become one of the Bay Area’s most compelling chamber ensembles.

     

Featured Artists

       Michael Long, violin – Concertmaster of the Bay Area Rainbow Symphony and SF Composers Chamber Orchestra, Michael also curates his series Michael Long and Friends highlighting lesser-known chamber repertoire.

     Maki Ishii Sowash, violin – A member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1990, Maki studied in Italy and Spain and is dedicated to both performance and community engagement. 

     Ayaka Isono, piano – A pianist with degrees from Indiana University and San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Ayaka has collaborated with principal players from major orchestras including the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet orchestras. 

     Victoria Ehrlich, cello – A member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1984, Victoria also coaches chamber music and performs locally in ensembles and educational programs.

     Paul Ehrlich, viola – Former Principal Viola of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, Paul performs widely in chamber music and orchestral settings.     

     Bruce Foster, clarinet – Former principal clarinetist of the China National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra, Bruce performs regularly in the Bay Area and teaches at UC Santa Cruz.