A string quartet comprised of San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) students Mathea Goh, Seongwoo Jeong, Daniela Gonzalez Siu, and Shintaro Taneda was featured at an evening event celebrating the forthcoming landmark auctions of the Ann & Gordon Getty Collection at Christie’s in New York. SFCM is a designated beneficiary of the sales along, with five other leading California-based organizations with whom the Gettys have had a longstanding relationship.

“It was amazing, just being able to come here,” said Taneda. “For us, it was really special to play such an important event and to know it’s part of something bigger that will benefit a lot of people.”

“We are so excited to have SFCM join us for such an amazing evening,” said Christie’s West Coast Chairman Ellanor Notides. “Thank you SFCM.”

While the students played, guests viewed highlights of the nearly 1,500 works of decorative and fine arts that will be offered from the Getty family’s San Francisco residence, including some with musical themes.

Mr. Getty is a celebrated composer, alumnus of the Conservatory, and beloved supporter of the arts and education. Christie’s Deputy Chairman Jonathan Rendell described the Gettys’ collection as “like a great opera,” saying “there is a rhythm that flows through it. Gordon always believed that any collection should involve both the eye and the ear, as did Ann.”

As part of the event, virtual reality headsets enabled users to experience the Gettys' music room, a frequent home to ensembles and other performers.

“What a great place, to combine both art and music together into one,” said Gonzalez Siu. “And we know that this auction is going to support many, many artists and students at SFCM.”