St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 9, 2015

The Back Society of St. Louis

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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a chamber music concert on Sunday, November 15 at 2:30 PM at The Church of Saint Michael and Saint George, 6345 Wydown. “Concertmaster Lenora-Marya Anop is joined by members of the Bach Society Orchestra, including harpsichordist Charles Metz, cellist Ken Kulosa, flutist Catherine Edwards, and pianist Sandra Geary in an informal program of Bach instrumental works. Limited seating in the old-world ambiance of the Great Hall. Meet and chat with the performers over a glass of wine after the performance.” For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Pulitzer Concert 02 on Wednesday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m. David Robertson conducts members of the orchestra in music of Steve Reich. The concert takes place at the Pulitzer Foundation on Washington in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, with soprano Christine Goerke, on Friday and at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., November 13-15. The program features Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 ("Pastoral"), Webern's Six Pieces for Orchestra, and Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Wind Symphony and pianist Jennifer Lim-Judd perform Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and other wind band compositions on Friday, November 13, at 7:30 PM. The performance takes place at East Central College, 1964 Prairie Dell Road in Union, MO. For more information: stlwindsym.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a classical open stage night on Monday, November 9, from 7:30 - 9 PM. “Come by yourself or bring your quartet. Sight read through a Beethoven quartet or use this as an opportunity to put the finishing touches on that Hindemith Viola Sonata you have been working on. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We have a 6' grand piano and an accompanist.” The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Chamber Project St. Louis

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Chamber Project St. Louis in A Very Open Rehearsal on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:30 PM. "What happens when a piece of music is rehearsed for the very first time? What happens when the piece of music is brand new? Find out when we work with composer Christopher Stark as we rehearse his new piece, written just for us! You get to be a part of the process as the reheasal is open for questions!" The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Ingrid Popp in an evening of music for unaccompanied viola by Bach, Vieuxtemps, Reger, Lillian Fuchs, and John Corgliano on Saturday, November 14, at 5 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a program of German lieder by Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Weber on Sunday, November 15, at 7 p.m. "Esteli Gomez, a soprano with a 'floating, angelic voice and a powerful presence', Eric Hoeprich, the uncontested master of the classical clarinet, and Seth Carlin on the Graf fortepiano, perform Schubert's bucolic lied as well as other songs and sonatas of Mendelssohn and Weber." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of April 20, 2015

The Bach Society at St. Stanislaus Church

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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents Faire is the Heaven on Sunday, April 26, at 3:0 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place. "Post-Dispatch critic Philip Kennicott hailed Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G minor, as "a summit of the 20th-century choral repertoire" when we performed it in 1997. This magnificent mass for double chorus will be performed again by our chorus and is sure to leave a lasting impression as it did 18 years ago. Music from the English choral tradition, including works by Philips, Byrd, Stanford, Tallis, Howells and Harris is also included on the program." For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Brasstravaganza on Monday and Tuesday, April 20 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. "Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents an evening of fanfares and antiphonal brass, performing chamber music of the highest quality in a relaxed, informal, cabaret style where audiences can have an entertaining evening as they sit at a table with friends, share a bottle of wine and light snacks while enjoying beautiful music performed by some of the finest musicians in St. Louis." The performance takes place in The Sheldon Concert Hall at 3648 Washington. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Vernacular, featuring works by Tower, Beaser, Ozgen, Allison, and Schubert on Wednesday, April 22, at 7:00 PM. The performance takes place at the World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland Avenue. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org

Gateway Opera presents Mozart's The Impresario Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, at 7:00 p.m. "In this hilarious hour-long show, an entrepreneur struggles to hold together an opera company filled with affairs, feuding singers, and a strained budget. This new expanded English edition commissioned by Gateway Opera features favorites from other Mozart operas including Così fan tutte, The Magic Flute, Idomeneo and more!" Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: 1-800-838-3006 or gatewayopera.org.

The Missouri History Museum presents The Seven Deadly Sins, a concert by CHARIS, the St. Louis Women’s Chorus, on Friday, April 24, at 8 p.m. in the Lee Auditorium. "Pride. Envy. Wrath. Gluttony and Lust. Sloth and Greed. Join CHARIS for a tongue-in-cheek look at the weird and darkly comic world of sin, as told through song." The Missouri History Museum is at Skinker and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org.

Emanuel Ax

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with pianist Emanuel Ax on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., April 25 and 26. Ax will be the soloist in Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. The concerts will include music by Elgar and Glanert. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Wanda Becker, violin; Andrew Rubin, cello; and Daniel Schene, piano on Tuesday, April 21, at 8 p.m. They will perform Schubert's Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 99. Daniel Schene will also Schubert's Piano Sonata in A Major, Op. 120. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents pianist Mike Ring on Wednesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. "Pianist Mike Ring presents his first solo recital in over two years. He will perform Impressionistic music and piano works of Brazilian composer Hietor Villa-Lobos as well as Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin, Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue by J.S. Bach, Piano Sonata No. 3 by Sergei Prokofiev. Piano Sonata No. 1 - First Movement by Rodion Shchedrin, and a few short collaborations with friends." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Alan Mohammed and Chad Pleasant

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents violinists Chad Pleasant and Alan Mohammed with Daniel Fry on piano performing music by Massenet, Gluck, Bach, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn on Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a concert performance of Giuseppi Verdi's comic opera Falstaff featuring Jeffrey Heyl as Falstaff and Rebecca Drury as Alice Ford on Friday, April 234 at 8 p.m. The performance is part of the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival's Shake38 event. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The University of Missouri—St. Louis presents a University Piano Alumni Concert on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. "UMSL Piano Alumni Concert. In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the renowned pianist Sviatoslav Richter. David Doran, Tzu Hwa Ho and Daniel Kuehler will share the stage with Alla Voskoboynikova, Director of Keyboard Studies. They will perform music by Scarlatti, Schumann, Scriabin, Medtner and Kapustin. Meet the artists in the lobby of the Lee Theater after the concert." The performance takes place at The Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 23, 2015

The Chamber Project St. Louis

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The Ethical Society presents Jubilee—A Landmark Celebration on Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m. "Celebrating 50 years of residing in their one of a kind home in Clayton, the Ethical Society of St. Louis invites you to a birthday concert featuring Chamber Project Saint Louis and Friends. The Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony and organist Nick Bideler join us in an eclectic program featuring music that spans the eras, from the Renaissance to Bach, Mozart, and on to the 20th Century." The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

Fabio Zanon

The Ethical Society presents a Great Artist Guitar Series concert with Fabio Zanon on Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m. "As a solo and chamber player, author, conductor, teacher, broadcaster and guitarist, Fabio Zanon has shown himself a musician of great importance. This native Brazilian won both the Francisco Tarrega Competition in Spain and the GFA Competition here in St. Louis in 1996. In 2009 he published his first book, Villa-Lobos, to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of this great Brazilian composer. Fabio last performed for us in March 2003. This performance has been re-scheduled from March 22, 2014." The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

Maryville University presents World War I Remembered on Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. "Maryville University is observing the centennial of the start of World War I, a devastating conflict with far-reaching effects. Maryville Music faculty and invited guests will explore aspects of the musical culture of this pivotal era during a one time evening performance. The musical presentation features popular music of the time, as well as concert works by Granados, Janácek, Britten, and Ravel. This recital, among other events, are sponsored by the Medart Lectures and held in conjunction with the exhibit, World War I: Remembered, in the Morton J. May Foundation gallery—an exhibition to recognize and contemplate the 100th year anniversary of 'the War to End All Wars''. The concert takes place at the Maryville University Auditorium, 650 Maryville University Drive. For more information: maryvillesymphony.com.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Opera Tastings on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. "Join Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for the first year of a new interactive concert series, 'Opera Tastings.' It's a fun and delicious way to inspire Young Friends or other opera newcomers to discover opera for the first time. Enjoy music from across the history of opera in a one-hour concert, as each aria or duet is paired with samples of wine or small bites designed to highlight the qualities of the music. Selections include excerpts from Handel, Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi, among others. Singers include four of OTSL's past and upcoming artists, including Sydney Mancasola, soprano, Shirin Eskandani, Geoffrey Agpalo, and Erik Van Heyningen. Internationally celebrated conductor Ryan McAdams, a St. Louis native who returns to lead OTSL's season-opening production of 'The Barber of Seville,' emcees each evening, alongside the chef from HERBIE'S Vintage 72 who has crafted the tasting menu. Herbie's Vintage 72 is at 405 North Euclid in the Central West End. For more information: experienceopera.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Opera Tastings on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. "Join Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for the first year of a new interactive concert series, 'Opera Tastings.' It's a fun and delicious way to inspire Young Friends or other opera newcomers to discover opera for the first time. Enjoy music from across the history of opera in a one-hour concert, as each aria or duet is paired with samples of wine or small bites designed to highlight the qualities of the music. Selections include excerpts from Handel, Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi, among others. Singers include four of OTSL's past and upcoming artists, including Sydney Mancasola, soprano, Shirin Eskandani, Geoffrey Agpalo, and Erik Van Heyningen. Internationally celebrated conductor Ryan McAdams, a St. Louis native who returns to lead OTSL's season-opening production of 'The Barber of Seville,' emcees each evening, alongside the chef from Moulin, who has crafted the tasting menu. Moulin at at 2017 Chouteau, downtown. For more information: experienceopera.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Opera Tastings on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. "Join Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for the first year of a new interactive concert series, 'Opera Tastings.' It's a fun and delicious way to inspire Young Friends or other opera newcomers to discover opera for the first time. Enjoy music from across the history of opera in a one-hour concert, as each aria or duet is paired with samples of wine or small bites designed to highlight the qualities of the music. Selections include excerpts from Handel, Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi, among others. Singers include four of OTSL's past and upcoming artists, including Sydney Mancasola, soprano, Shirin Eskandani, Geoffrey Agpalo, and Erik Van Heyningen. Internationally celebrated conductor Ryan McAdams, a St. Louis native who returns to lead OTSL's season-opening production of 'The Barber of Seville,' emcees each evening, alongside the chef from The Dark Room, who has crafted the tasting menu. The Dark Room in at 615 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: experienceopera.org.

Marlon Brando in The Godfather

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents screenings of the classic movie The Godfather with the score performed live by the orchestra Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., March 27-29. "The blockbuster crime saga The Godfather is a touchstone of cinema. It is one of the most widely imitated, quoted, and lampooned movies of all time. Enjoy Nino Rota's beloved score performed live by the STL Symphony with Francis Ford Coppola's Academy Award®-winning full-length masterpiece shown from the Powell Hall stage. It's an offer you cannot refuse!" The performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents soprano Angela Moore and pianist Jon Garrett on Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m. "Soprano Angela Moore performs December Songs (a song cycle by Maury Yeston based on Die Winterreise by Schubert) and some favorites from the musical theatre repertoire." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents guitarist W. Mark Akin on Friday, March 27, at 8 p.m. "W. Mark Akin makes his solo guitar debut at Tavern of Fine Arts with a program of outstanding classical guitar repertoire including works by Assad, Bach, Bellinati, Jose, and Rodrigo." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 17, 2014

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The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Epitaph, featuring works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Schubert, Golijov and Caplet on Tuesday, November 18, at 7:00 PM, as part of its Chamber Project on Tap series. "In this program with works by master composers Debussy, Stravinsky, Schubert, Golijov and Caplet, we examine what is left behind after we depart. Harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet are the featured performers. " The performance takes place at 4 Hands Brewing Company, 1220 South 8th Street. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

McKendree College presents a St. Louis Symphony Mondays concert featuring member of the SLSO on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 PM. The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL. For more information: thehett.com.

The St. Louis Symphony’s Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 PM. “What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment. On the third Thursday of each month, we get together at Tavern of Fine Arts to listen to and discuss a piece of music being performed at an upcoming concert at Powell Hall. We will have a different guest moderator each month who will help lead an informal conversation about the music.” A special cocktail is created for each event to accompany the music. This month, Steven Jarvi will present Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". The event takes place at The Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with violin soloists Dana Edson Myers and Rebecca Boyer Hall on Friday at 8 p.m., November 21. "David Robertson explores the themes of music and drama, with a meditation, a march, and a ballet, including selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt and Copland’s Four Dances from Rodeo. Perhaps the best known of all, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, famously featured in Disney’s Fantasia." The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, tenor Paul Groves, and cellist Daniel Lee on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., November 22 and 23. " Vocalists Susan Graham and Paul Groves perform Mahler’s most personal work, Das Lied von der Erde, alongside David Robertson and the STL Symphony. In this late composition, Mahler uses the instruments of the orchestra to achieve a chamber-style intimacy. STL Symphony Principal Cello Daniel Lee shines in Schumann’s most enigmatic work, the Concerto in A minor." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the mezzo-sporano Rebecca Hatlelid and pianist Jon Garret on Saturday, November 22, at 8 PM. "Rebecca Hatlelid, mezzo-soprano, holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Her performances in school include Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro and the Witch in Hansel and Gretel. Jon Garrett is a recording artist, composer, collaborative pianist and lyric tenor based in Saint Louis, Missouri. His compositions have been featured in performances by the Chamber Chorus and Missouri Ballet Theatre. He has performed with Winter Opera St. Louis, Union Avenue Opera, the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, Missouri Ballet Theatre and Stray Dog Theatre." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Third Baptist Church presents an organ concert by Bill Stein, Director of Music Ministries, First Presbyterian Church, Kirkwood, on Friday, November 21, at 12:30 PM as part of its free Friday Pipes series. "Join us on Fridays at Third Baptist Church for Friday Pipes, the free organ recital series celebrating the restoration of the church's 72-rank Kilgen/Möller pipe organ. Each week a different performer will be presenting a program of classical, church, and theatre organ music in the beautiful sanctuary of Third Baptist. This season's performers come from across the USA, and even from around the world. Free parking is available in the church lots on Washington Avenue." Third Baptist Church is at 620 N Grand. For more information: www.third-baptist.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The University Singers and Vocal Point on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 PM at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. "Under the direction of Jim Henry, UMSL’s select choral ensembles University Singers and Vocal Point present a diverse selection of works representing over three centuries of choral music composition. From sacred works by Vivaldi and Bruckner, to the music of contemporary composers Orban, Chien, and Elder, to world folk songs, to selections from the Great American Songbook, to holiday favorites, there is something for every taste, all performed by two of St. Louis’s premier vocal ensembles." For more information: touhill.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents a Piano Studio Concert on Tuesday, November 18, at 7:30 PM at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. "Please join us for the wonderful evening of piano music. Students of Alla Voskoboynikova will perform music by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninov and other composers in the most elegant atmosphere of Lee Theater. Meet the performers after the concert at the lobby." For more information: touhill.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a student recital on Monday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. "Join the talented students of Washington University in a performance of works for various instruments. This event is open to the public and free." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City, MO. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the Washington University Wind Ensemble featuring Jonathan Reycraft, trombone, on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. "Join the Washington University Wind Ensemble and trombonist Jonathan Reycraft in a performance of Bert Appermont’s piece, Colors. This performance is Co-Sponsored by the Community Partnerships Program of the St. Louis Symphony. The Washington University Wind Ensemble will also perform pieces by Steven Bryant, Robert Jager, and Darius Milhaud." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City, MO. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 10, 2014

The Bach Society at Powell Hall

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a program of Bach instrumental works on Sunday, November 16, at 2:30 PM at The Church of Saint Michael and Saint George, 6345 Wydown. “Concertmaster Lenora-Marya Anop is joined by members of the Bach Society Orchestra, including harpsichordist Charles Metz, cellist Ken Kulosa, flutist Catherine Edwards, and pianist Sandra Geary in an informal program of Bach instrumental works. Limited seating in the old-world ambiance of the Great Hall. Meet and chat with the performers over a glass of wine after the performance.” For more information: www.bachsociety.org

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Wine, Women and Song on Monday and Tuesday, November 10 and 11, at 7:30 PM. "Chamber Music Society of St. Louis features St. Louis Women’s HOPE Chorale; harpist Megan Stout; horns Roger Kaza and Thomas Jöstlein." The concert takes place at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Epitaph, featuring works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Schubert, Golijov and Caplet on Friday, November 14, at 8:00 PM. "In this program with works by master composers Debussy, Stravinsky, Schubert, Golijov and Caplet, we examine what is left behind after we depart. Harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet are the featured performers. " The performance takes place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org Christ Church Cathedral presents Stella Markou, soprano; Elsie Parker, clarinet; Ken Kehner, piano; and Bill Lenihan, guitar in a program of music by Schubert, Weber, Jacobs, and Stamitz on Sunday, November 16, at 2 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral is at 13th and Olive downtown. For more information: christchurchconcerts.org.

The St. Louis Brass Band presents Blazing Brass on Sunday, November 16, at 2:30 p.m. " This concert will be a blend of traditional and contemporary repertoire for the British Brass Band, performed with the Spirit of St. Louis. From “Henry V” by Ralph Vaughn Williams to “Pastime with Good Company” by Henry VIII, and “Silverado” to “St. Louis Blues”, there will be music to fit all tastes. J.S. Bach will even make an appearance with “Toccata in d minor” performed as only a Brass Band can do it! As a part of the Educational Outreach Program of the St. Louis Brass Band, a large group of high school and college brass students will be invited to join the band to perform several selection for a rousing finale to each half of the concert." The concert takes place at United Methodist Church "The Gathering," 101 Bemiston Avenue in Clayton, MO. For more information: stlbb.org.

Jun Märkl conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with piano soloist Orli Shaham and violin soloists Helen Kim and Xiaoxiao Qiang in an all-Beethoven program on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., November 15 and 16. "Our all-Beethoven concert features Orli Shaham in Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto and the dual talents of the STL Symphony’s outstanding violinists, Helen Kim and Xiaoxiao Qiang, in his lyrical Romances. This program showcases Beethoven’s early works as he was first emerging as a master composer." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in Elgar's "Enigma Variations" on Friday, November 14, at 8 PM. The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents a Thanksgiving Concert on Sunday, November 16, at 2:30 p.m. " The Second Church Chorale and Orchestra with conductor Andrew Peters present a program in celebration of Thanksgiving. The performance features George Frideric Handel’s “Dettingen Te Deum” for soloists, choir, and orchestra. The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a classical open stage night on Monday, November 10, from 7:30 – 9 PM. “Come by yourself or bring your quartet. Sight read through a Beethoven quartet or use this as an opportunity to put the finishing touches on that Hindemith Viola Sonata you have been working on. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We have a 6' grand piano and an accompanist.” The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Illumine Ensemble on Friday, November 14, at 8 PM. " Twists and turns abound as the Illumine Ensemble weaves “Little Red Riding Hood” and other tales into a modern and humorous adventure for the whole family set to music by composer Robert Broemel, who will be in attendance. Broemel’s music hearkens back to the era of silent film, making for plenty of drama as they weave through the story. At each decision point in the story, the audience will choose the outcome, so the tale never goes the same way twice!" The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents soprano Heather Fehl on Saturday, November 15, at 8 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com

Third Baptist Church presents an organ concert by Dr. William Sullivan, organist at Laclede Groves Chapel on Friday, November 14, at 12:30 PM as part of its free Friday Pipes series. "Join us on Fridays at Third Baptist Church for Friday Pipes, the free organ recital series celebrating the restoration of the church's 72-rank Kilgen/Möller pipe organ. Each week a different performer will be presenting a program of classical, church, and theatre organ music in the beautiful sanctuary of Third Baptist. This season's performers come from across the USA, and even from around the world. Free parking is available in the church lots on Washington Avenue." Third Baptist Church is at 620 N Grand. For more information: www.third-baptist.org

Passion on tap

The artistic directors of The Chamber Project

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When, just over a year ago, I published a post on this here blog about the innovative programming being done by The Chamber Project St. Louis, I never would have guessed that I might become part of that programming thirteen months later.

I guess it's a good thing it was a positive article!

Those of you who know me might be a bit surprised to learn that I'm appearing as a guest soloist in a classical chamber music concert. Yes, I played a number of instruments in my feckless youth, but none of them very well and none of them at all now. And while I'm a fixture (not of the plumbing variety) on the local cabaret scene, I do not have anything remotely like a classically trained voice.

I do, however, have plenty of experience as an actor, and it's in that capacity that I made my debut with The Chamber Project last night (September 11, 2014; the concert repeats on September 18) in Kenji Bunch's "Sonnet 128" for narrator, cello, and percussion. This haunting and charming little work (around seven minutes long) is part of a longer evening titled "Passion" which, according to the group's web site, explores "the passion makes the heart sing and that keeps us going through thick and thin."

The evening opens with the prelude to Bach's "Cello Suite No. 1," which segues straight in to the Bunch. It's a dramatically smart move, and the leap from the 17th century to the 21st ("Sonnet 128" premiered at Tanglewood in 2003) feels remarkably seamless to me.

A short break for a stage re-set and audience discussion is then followed by "And Legions Will Rise" for violin, clarinet, and marimba by St. Louis native Kevin Puts. The composer says the work "is about the power in all of us to transcend during times of tragedy and personal crisis. While I was writing it, I kept imagining one of those war scenes in blockbuster films, with masses of troops made ready before a great battle. I think we have forces like this inside of us, ready to do battle when we are at our lowest moments." The fact that it was written just a few months before the 9/11 attack is one of those "you can't make this stuff up" real-life coincidences.

The concert closes with Beethoven's "String Trio, op. 9 no. 1" In G major, a lively and engaging work from the point in the composer's life when he was just beginning to hit his musical maturity. His first symphony was still two years away when he wrote the three trios of his Op. 9, but you can hear the beginnings of the revolutionary changes he would bring to the forms of the 18th century structural and harmonic models in this music.

The essentials: The Chamber Project of St. Louis, with yours truly as special guest, repeats their "Passion" program at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust. The performance is part of their "On Tap" concert series at local imbibing establishments where you can consume the libation of your choice along with the music—much as audiences often did back in Beethoven's day. For more information on this and other Chamber Project projects, check out their web site.