St. Louis classical calendar for the week of June 1, 2015

Timothy O'Leary

Share on Google+:

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Art, Music, and Unraveling the Mystery of History: Changing the Past to Shape the Future, a panel discussion moderated by OTSL General Director Timothy O'Leary, on Thursday, June 4, at noon. The panel explores two operas which changed our perspectives on history: Handel's treatment of the Crusader King Richard in Richard the Lionheart and Hans Krása's Brundibár, a children's opera used as Nazi propaganda. The panel includes Richard the Lionheart director Lee Blakeley, countertenor Tim Mead, and curator and director of education for the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center of St. Louis Dan Reich. The event takes place at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents When Good Sopranos Go Bad: The Dueling Divas that Stole Handel's Spotlight in Richard the Lionheart on Monday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m., The panel discussion features St. Louis Symphony Chorus Director Amy Kaiser, along with Grant Llewellyn, Lee Blakeley, and Jean-Marc Puissant. The event takes place at The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: experienceopera.org or 314-961-0644.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the American premiere of Handel's Richard the Lionheart, opening on Sunday, June 7, at 7 p.m. and running in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 26. "If you only know him from Robin Hood, you don't know the whole story of Richard the Lionheart. Shipwrecked on the way to the Third Crusade, one of England's bravest kings must disguise himself to protect his future bride and prevent war in a foreign land. But who can he trust in this all-too-real game of thrones? Handel's virtuosic vocal writing in this opera, never before heard in the United States, makes Richard an eagerly-anticipated event for all music-lovers." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Rossini's comedy The Barber of Seville in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 27. Performances this week are Thursday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., June 4 and 6. "There's a good reason it's one of the world's most popular operas! Rossini's zany and sparkling score sets the gold standard for opera that is fresh, elegant, funny, and brimming with vocal fireworks. Delight as the young barber Figaro helps Count Almaviva steal the beautiful Rosina from under the nose of her doddering guardian." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Rondine in rotating repertory with three other through June 28. This week's performance is on Wednesday, June 3, at 8 p.m. "Can a beautiful, sophisticated Parisian courtesan find happiness with a young man from the country? Or is her love affair doomed by a past she cannot keep secret? Celebrated OTSL music director Stephen Lord brings Puccini's gorgeous music and romantic storytelling to life in this stunning, new belle epoque period production." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Chris Botti

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents trumpeter Chris Botti in concert on Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. "Grammy® Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti returns by popular demand to Powell Hall performing his famous smooth jazz stylings that will blend with the lush sounds of the STL Symphony. Hear one of the world's most beloved instrumentalists in this one night only, not-to-be missed performance." The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Music of the Eagles on Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. "Considered one of the best-selling bands of all time, the Eagles have won six Grammy® Awards and had five number one singles. Amplified by a full rock band, Brent Havens returns to conduct the STL Symphony as they capture the Eagles' astonishing harmonies in all the classics, including “Hotel California,” “Desperado” and “Take It Easy.” The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the SIUE Flute Studio Recital on Saturday, June 6, at 5:30 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.