St. Louis classical calendar for the week of August 12, 2019

It's all about the annual Gesher Music Festival this week, with concerts Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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Sara Sitzer

The Gesher Music Festival presents Safe Haven on Thursday, August 15 at 7:30 pm. "Throughout history, the United States has served as a safe haven for artists and composers fleeing war and persecution. Join us for a special program highlighting the music and stories behind these refugee composers as Artistic Director Sara Sitzer narrates their fascinating history alongside performances by the world-class Gesher Artists." The concert includes music Schoenberg, Britten, Bartok and Korngold and takes place at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

The Gesher Music Festival presents Shelter From the Storm on Saturday, August 17 at 7:30 pm. "From music depicting the story of Noah's Ark to the 18th century artistic movement referred to as Sturm und Drang, or Storm and Stress, this program explores how composers depict shelter from all types of storms." The concert consists of music by Lang, Previn, Milhaud, and Haydn and takes place at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

The Gesher Music Festival presents Safe Spaces on Sunday, August 18 at 2 pm. "Whether a synagogue, a church, or a chamber music salon, there is something inherently special about each space. In this program, we'll explore the music inspired by and written for the places that humans have found to be the most sacred throughout history." The concert consists of music Ravel, Norman, and Schubert and takes place at the JCC Wool Studio Theatre at 2 Millsonte Campus Drive. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.