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Avi Avital with Philharmonia Baroque at The Freight

GRAMMY-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital joins Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra for the ultimate unplugged experience — a night where classical music’s Baroque roots meet folk energy in a venue that lives and breathes roots music: Berkeley’s legendary Freight.

Hear the spark of Vivaldi, the elegance of Bach, and the earthy rhythms of Bartók—all played on period instruments, up close, and totally acoustic.

A special co-presentation with The Freight.

What’s Interesting About This Concert

  • GRAMMY-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital, “the mandolin’s greatest champion” (The New York Times), brings his virtuosic style and charisma to The Freight.
  • A program that connects centuries: Vivaldi, Bach, and Bartók, where Baroque meets folk in electrifying (and completely acoustic) performances.
  • SESSIONS concerts strip away the formality — come as you are, grab a drink, and settle in. The Freight’s intimate setting gives this concert its down-to-earth edge.

Program

Avi Avital, mandolin and leader
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

VIVALDI – Concerto for Strings in A major, RV 158

J.S. BACH – Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052 (transcr. Avital)

VIVALDI – Concerto for Mandolin in C major, RV 425

SOLLIMA – Concerto for Mandolin (US PREMIERE)

BARTÓK – Romanian Folk Dances (arr. Avital)

Friday, February 20 2026 | 8 PM (Doors: 7 PM)

The Freight, Berkeley

SORRY, SOLD OUT!

General Admission  $65 [SOLD OUT]
Premium General Admission  $90 [SOLD OUT]

Preview the Music