The Bernal Hill Players are a mixed instrument ensemble formed in 2008 that performs classical, contemporary, and experimental chamber music from around the world, with a particular focus on Bay Area, Mexican, and women composers. They love performing in intimate neighborhood venues, where they can enjoy chatting with the audience, experiment with new creative ventures, and celebrating the joy of playing music together.

At the core of the ensemble are flutist and singer Martha Rodríguez-Salazar and pianist and arranger Jennifer Peringer. This dynamic duo regularly collaborates with other musicians  to form larger ensembles. Over the years they have worked with clarinetists Leah di Tullio, Karla Avila, Sarah Bonomo and Rachel Condry; with cellists Jessica Ivry, Samsun van Loon, and Jill Brindel; with violists Katrina Wreede and Ron Relic, with saxophonist Annelise Zamula; with guitarist Sharon Wayne; and with percussionist Chus Alonso. 

From 2010 to 2015 the Bernal Hill Players worked on a bi-cultural commissioning project involving composers from San Francisco and Mexico City. The project resulted in eight newly commissioned pieces for flute, clarinet, piano, and cello, recorded on two CDs called "In and About San Francisco" and “Neighborhoods of Mexico City”. 

ARTICLES AND REVIEWS

 "Perhaps most stunning was how seamlessly The Bernal Hill Players played together... I was profoundly grateful that this music was being made in the neighborhood." -Cy Ashley Webb, starkinsider.com

"El cuarteto nos ofreció un concierto de música de cámara latina, interpretada magistralmente. No es necesario comentar acerca de la virtuosidad y el alto nivel profesional de estas artistas. Cada una de ellas domina a la perfección su instrumento y, lo que es más, posee un extraordinario gusto melódico-armónico que adorna sus interpretaciones." 
(The quartet delighted us and offered a chamber music concert of Latin music, performed in a masterful way.  It is not necessary to comment about the virtuosity and high professional level of the artists. Each one of them has mastered their instrument perfectly and possesses an extraordinary melodic-harmonic taste that enhances their performance.)  -Antonio de Porcel, art critic at Círculo Cultural

Audience Reviews:

For 2023 Forces of Nature program:

“I thought it wouldn’t be remiss to reiterate what I mumbled to you after that marvelous afternoon about the pleasure of such carefully presented pieces in which each measure brings surprises and each cadence leads to a new landscape. Such pleasures are not to be found — by me, at least — in Romantic warhorses such as those offered, re-offered, and re-re-offered by devotees of, say, Schumann or Schubert. Your concert instead provided my hungry ears with delightfully real-time measure-by-measure, phrase-by-phrase, harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic nuggets of fresh deliciousness.” - Rik Myslewski

“It was a marvelous, invigorating experience! It is events like that that remind me that all is not completely lost with our species. And the great musicality and heart that both of you bring to your performances is truly inspiring.” - Dyana Vukovich

“That concert delighted me and nurtured my soul, restoring my hope, faith, reverence for creativity beyond my wildest dreams - the artist is truly the antennae of the race!” - Patricia

“The music was exquisite and the community collaboration felt so great! Thank you!” - Sylvia Sherman

“It was a beautiful event. It was like a great party!” - Esperanza Martinez

"That concert with the Bernal Hill Players delighted me and nurtured my soul, restoring my hope, faith, reverence for creativity beyond my wildest dreams - the artist is truly the antennae of the race!" - Anonymous

Other audience reviews:

“Beautiful tone and personality – loved it!” 
- Anonymous

"It was a great first time experience to see live classical music. It inspires me to continue studying and playing classical music”
- Anonymous

“This concert introduced me to an area of classical music that was new to me.” 
- Ellen Flanders

“Maravilloso! Me hizo recordar mi cultura y alegrar mi espíritu.” 
(Marvelous! It made me remember my culture and lifted my spirits.) 
- Lucy de la Luz

 

Articles about The Bernal Hill Players:

Mission Local

StarkInsider