Next week, don't miss a brand new two-woman performance presented by We Players outdoors on our scenic Great Lawn: Mother Lear is the story of a formerly brilliant Shakespeare scholar descending into dementia who finds that her one reliable method for communication is through the remembered text of Shakespeare's King Lear. 

The woman's daughter, Cordelia, realizes that she must try to reach her mother through the only language she recognizes before it is too late. Together, the two navigate the struggles of family, aging, and mortality through the humor and poetry of Shakespeare’s writing -- and finally achieve authentic communication.

This one-hour distillation of King Lear created by We Players founder Ava Roy and actress Courtney Walsh is designed to invite conversations about the meaning and experience of death. Rediscover the magic of the bard’s gift for expression as two relatable modern characters demonstrate that Shakespeare’s words can often surpass our own when navigating difficult subjects like regret and mortality. And as "Act 2" of each performance, join us in the historic Villa for in-depth conversations with the performers and special guests about the production's themes.

Read more about this one-of-a-kind show in this article from the San Jose Mercury News.

Three evening performances of Mother Lear will be offered: Thursday, October 12, Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, each at 5:30pm. Click the button below to purchase your tickets today, or call the Box Office at 408-961-5858, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

Montalvo's resident chamber ensemble, the Saint Michael Trio, returns in 2017-2018 for four outstanding Sunday afternoon performances taking place in the beautiful setting of our historic Villa. 

The season kicks off on Sunday, November 5 at 3pm with Romanticism in Music, a musical history lesson that examines how Beethoven kicked off a movement making pieces more expressive and emotional, and how that expanded to encompass literary and philosophical themes. In addition to Beethoven, you’ll hear music by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and more. Tickets are limited, so get yours soon!

Continuing in 2018, the season features three more shows, each with its own theme and performed in the unique Saint Michael Trio style: tightly performed classical favorites plus witty and informative commentary that helps put the music in context. Members Robin Sharpe, Russell Hancock, and Michel Flexer receive high praise for these accessible -- and oftentimes funny -- performances.

Click below to see the full schedule of upcoming recitals. Each show begins at 3pm, and ticket prices are just $38. Buy yours today!

Come and get creative with us on Monday, November 13 at 6pm for a Maiolica Inspired Glazing Workshop with ceramicist Paola Pafumi, an expert in the technique.

Maiolica is an Italian glazing style dating from the Renaissance. Its beautiful designs have roots in the Middle East and make for stunning pottery. This complex method has been adapted by Pafumi so that beginning students can participate and enjoy.

Registration is $45 and includes all necessary glazes, plus basic objects to practice glazing on. Participants in our Wheel Form Ceramics class are invited to bring their pieces to glaze. Also included is an optional studio session on Wednesday, November 15 from 6-8pm, in which Pafumi will be on hand to help refine and finalize your pieces.

Click the button below to sign up today, or call our Box Office at 408-961-5858, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.