Vibrant Week Ahead in Bay Area Arts: Choral Premiere, Jazz Improv, and Poetry Celebration

From a multimedia opera to a 4/20 poetry reading, the Peninsula has a diverse lineup of cultural events this week.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:19am

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An abstract close-up image featuring a dramatic, high-contrast composition of shimmering sequins and glittering disco glass, conveying a sense of glamour and energy associated with a diverse array of arts performances.The vibrant lineup of arts events this week in the Bay Area promises to dazzle audiences with a range of creative expressions.Palo Alto Today

This week in the Bay Area, audiences can experience the world premiere of a new multimedia choral work, an evening of jazz improvisation featuring renowned musicians, the closing performance of a heartwarming Broadway musical, an outdoor concert in a museum garden, and a special 4/20 poetry event with a celebrated translator and scholar.

Why it matters

The diverse lineup of arts and cultural events this week reflects the vibrant creative community in the Peninsula region, offering something for every type of arts patron - from classical music lovers to jazz aficionados to poetry fans. These events not only provide entertainment, but also shine a spotlight on local artists and organizations that are contributing to the region's rich cultural fabric.

The details

The week kicks off with the world premiere of 'The Sound of Grief,' a multimedia opera for chorus and video by composer Freida Abtan, commissioned by the Peninsula Women's Chorus. The program also includes other choral works exploring themes of transcendence and the natural world. On the jazz front, Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling teams up for the first time with acclaimed saxophonist Larry Ochs for an evening of improvisation. TheatreWorks closes its season with the uplifting musical 'Come From Away,' inspired by the true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers after 9/11. The Museum of American Heritage hosts an outdoor concert featuring pop and rock from local bands, and Feldman's Books celebrates 4/20 with a poetry reading by renowned translator and scholar Willis Barnstone.

  • The Peninsula Women's Chorus performances take place on April 17, 18, and 19.
  • The Mads Tolling and Larry Ochs jazz performance is on April 17.
  • 'Come From Away' runs through May 10 at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts.
  • The MOAH's School of Rock outdoor concert is on April 18.
  • The Willis Barnstone poetry event at Feldman's Books is on April 20.

The players

Freida Abtan

A composer-in-residence with the Peninsula Women's Chorus who created the new multimedia opera 'The Sound of Grief' premiering this week.

Mads Tolling

A Grammy Award-winning musician who will perform an evening of jazz improvisation on the violin.

Larry Ochs

A master saxophonist and founder of the renowned Rova saxophone quartet, joining Tolling for the jazz performance.

Robert Kelley

The Artistic Director Emeritus of TheatreWorks who is directing the production of 'Come From Away.'

Willis Barnstone

A respected 98-year-old poet, translator and religious scholar who will give a special 4/20 poetry reading at Feldman's Books.

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What’s next

Tickets are still available for the upcoming performances of 'Come From Away' at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts, running through May 10.

The takeaway

This week's diverse lineup of arts and cultural events in the Bay Area showcases the region's vibrant creative community, offering something for every type of arts patron - from classical music lovers to jazz aficionados to poetry fans. These events not only provide entertainment, but also shine a spotlight on local artists and organizations that are contributing to the area's rich cultural fabric.