Ethea Trio to Perform Free Noontime Concert at Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral August 19
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Classical music returns to the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown as the Ethea Trio performs at the city’s celebrated Noontime Concerts series on Tuesday, August 19, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
This long-running free concert series brings the magic of chamber music to lunchtime audiences every week, offering a rare chance to hear world-class performances in one of San Francisco’s most historic and acoustically admired venues.
A Rising Ensemble
Founded in 2024, Ethea Trio has quickly emerged as an exciting new voice in chamber music. The ensemble unites three dynamic artists:
- Shintaro Taneda – violinist known for his expressive tone and technical brilliance.
- Ayoun Alexandra Kim – cellist celebrated for her lyrical phrasing and commanding presence.
- Jon Lee – pianist whose sensitivity and precision provide the trio’s musical anchor.
Together, their performances blend technical mastery with emotional resonance, bringing audiences into the intimate storytelling tradition of chamber music.
The Venue: Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral
The Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral, located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is more than just a concert space — it is a historic landmark. Known for its beautiful architecture and distinctive acoustics, the cathedral provides a setting often described as “otherworldly” by performers and listeners alike.
Noontime Concerts have thrived here precisely because of this unique atmosphere, where music and history meet to create a space of reflection and community. Both artists and audiences consistently praise the experience of performing and listening in this sacred setting.
Noontime Concerts Tradition
The Noontime Concerts series is a cultural gem in San Francisco. For decades, it has offered free classical music concerts every Tuesday to local residents, workers, and visitors in the downtown and Chinatown area.
The concerts are designed for accessibility:
- Free admission (donations requested).
- Livestreams for those who cannot attend in person.
- Performances available online for a week following the event.
This approach ensures that high-quality classical music is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial or scheduling barriers.
What to Expect from the August 19 Performance
While the official program is yet to be announced, audiences can anticipate a selection of chamber works that showcase the trio’s range. Whether interpreting the elegance of Haydn, the romantic fire of Brahms, or the contemporary vibrancy of living composers, Ethea Trio brings a passion for storytelling through sound.
The group’s strength lies in its ability to balance individuality with cohesion — each instrument shines while contributing to a unified voice. Attendees can expect a one-hour journey of musical contrasts: from delicate, intimate passages to sweeping, powerful climaxes that fill the cathedral with sound.
Why This Concert Matters
Events like these reinforce San Francisco’s position as a city where art and community thrive side by side. The Ethea Trio’s performance at Noontime Concerts is not only a celebration of chamber music but also an example of how live performance can connect diverse audiences.
By providing free access and online availability, Noontime Concerts ensures inclusivity, making classical music more than an elite experience. Instead, it becomes part of the city’s daily rhythm, available to all.
Event Details
- Event: Ethea Trio – Free Noontime Concert
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Venue: Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Admission: Free (donations requested)
- Livestream: Available via Noontime Concerts website
For more information and livestream access, visit Noontime Concerts.
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