St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 16, 2019

Lots of new music on the program this week, including concerts by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and New Music Circle.

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The New Music Circle presents Out Sounds: Daniel Wyche (Chicago) w/ McNeil/Williams on Friday, September 21, at 8 pm. "Daniel Wyche is a Chicago-based guitarist, composer and improviser. Working with a wide range of physical preparations, extended techniques, and pedal instruments, his recorded work and live performances are characterized by long-form structured improvisations. Recently, this approach has become increasingly integrated with the exploration of multi-channel performance and the spatialization of sound, including new compositions for quad- and 8-channel guitar." The performance takes place at the Flood Plain Gallery, 3151 Cherokee. For more information: floodplaingallery.org.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet
jeanyvesthibaudet.com

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, September 21 and 22. "Stéphane Denève's first concert as SLSO Music Director is a joyous celebration, which includes the world premiere of a piece the SLSO commissioned in his honor. Gershwin's much-loved An American in Paris is conducted by a Frenchman in St. Louis. Denève introduces the SLSO's first Artist-in-Residence, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who plays a concerto that sparkles and swings, and Debussy shows off the color and vitality of this great orchestra and its new leader." Performances take place at Powel Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Soorya Performing Arts presents the 6th STL Indian Music Festival Friday through Sunday, September 20-22. "Presenting an absolute experience of Indian Music, including traditional, classical, instrumental and modern. Food and drinks available for purchase." The festival takes place at the Gandhi Center, 727 Weidman Rd in Ballwin, MO. For more information: www.sooryaperformingarts.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the 560 Block Party from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, September 17. "Free block party to celebrate the upcoming season with students, faculty, staff, friends, and 560 Music Center arts organizations that call us home! Enjoy live music provided by jazz pianist Kara Baldus followed by the Zafira Quartet while sipping on free beer (generously donated by Urban Chestnut) and sangria. Free food will also be provided! RSVP to this event today!" The event takes place on the Front Plaza at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 7, 2018

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents The Three Bs on Monday, May 7, at 7:30 pm. The concert of music by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a showing of the classic musical An American in Paris, with the score performed live by the orchestra under the direction of Norman Huynh, Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, May 12 and 13. "Winner of six Academy Awards - including Best Picture - and one of the American Film Institute's Top 10 Greatest Movie Musicals of All Time, An American in Paris, stars Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly and features the timeless original music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin." The showings take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Sangeetha presents a fusion concert of North Indian style (Hindustani) vocal music by Ms. Sandhya Pandurangi on Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m. "A student of classical music from the age of seven, she has learnt from eminent artists in India, is an All India Radio artist and has performed across the US and in India. She is an expert in singing songs in many languages and has recorded music albums. She also teaches music to many and performs regularly for fund raising events." The concert takes place at the Chesterfield Community Theatre at the West County YMCA, 16464 Burkhardt Place. For more information: sangeetha.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Thursday, May 10, at 8 p.m. “The ensemble performs the newest music being composed today with energetic virtuosity and a sense of adventure, creating programs that not only span a wide range of styles, but also transform the traditional concert experience itself.” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

Sima Bina

The Washington University Department of Music presents Sima Bina in concert on Friday, May 11, at 8 pm. "Sima Bina is a notable Persian classical musician, an Iranian composer, researcher, painter and teacher, described by Radio WDR Germany as the “grand lady of Iranian folk music.” A lifetime of dedicated work on Persian folk music has made Master Sima Bina a legendary character in the history of Iranian music. Since 1993, she has accepted invitations to perform her music worldwide in prestigious festivals and organized concerts featuring Persian classical music." The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

The Washington University Department of Music presents members of the Missouri Chamber Music ensemble performing works by Saint-Saëns, Martinu, Milhaud, and Bartók on Sunday, May 13, at 10:30 am. "Folk idiom connects the vibrant works on our popular Morning Music concert. Bright musical colors and warm expression combine when wind instruments, piano, and strings explore musical partnerships throughout this lively concert. Each of the evocative pieces on this concert creates a cultural atmosphere specific to each composer's time and place." The event takes place in the Pillsbury Theatre at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 11, 2017

The Metropolitan  Orchestra 

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The Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis presents a program of works by Rossini, Mozart, and Mendelssohn on Sunday, September 17, at 7 p.m. The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 East Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: metro-orch.org.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents a free chamber music concert on Tuesday, September 12, at 7 p.m. Performers Kristin Ahlstrom, violin; Bjorn Ranheim, cello; Tzuying Huang, clarinet; and Matthew Mazzoni, piano will perform works by Beethoven, Khachaturian, and Mendelssohn. The performance takes place at Sts. Joachim and Ann Catholic Church, 4110 McClay in St. Charles. For more information: cathedralconcerts.org

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a free outdoor concert in Forest Park on Wednesday, September 13, starting at 7 p.m."Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and enjoy our FREE concert in Forest Park. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs classical favorites at the base of Art Hill, closing with an impressive firework display. Invite your family and friends to join us for one of St. Louis' favorite musical events of the year!" For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Sympony Orchestra presents a showing of the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with the score played live by the orchestra under the baton of Justin Freer, Friday and Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2 p.m., September 15 - 17. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi

Sangeetha presents A North Indian Classical Vocal Music Concert by Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi with assisting artists on Friday, September 15, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Mevundi "is an accomplished singer representing the illustrious Kirana Gharana and is in the lineage of the legends Sawai Gandharva and Bhimsen Joshi, master performers of yesteryears. Known for his ease and felicity of his singing style, Pandit Mevundi will be accompanied by artists on the harmonium and tabla." The concert takes place at the Midwest Music Conservatory, 15977 Clayton Road in Ballwin, MO. For more information: sangeetha.org.

Washngton University's Danforth University Center Chamber Music Series presents an evening of opera favorites with soprano Gina Galati and other soloists from Winter Opera on Tuesday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. The concert takes place at the Goldberg Formal Lounge in the Danforth University Center on the Washington University Campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu

The Washington University Department of Music peresnts the Zafira Quartet on Thursday, September 14th, at 7:30 p.m. "The Zafira Quartet brings you a concert of Latino music, on acoustic and electric instruments. Featuring composers from Chile, Argentina, and Mexico, this program is passionate and emotional. The music of Latin America is very personal for the Zafira Quartet. We have all connected through our experiences living and working in South America, and continue to enjoy those cultures and traditions within our music-making. In this concert, Holly, Sarah, Amy, and Ranya combine the classical string quartet form, with modern electric instruments, and the old and new sounds of South American music. The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in Universit City. For more information, call 314-935-5566.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of August 14, 2017

Sara Sitzer

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The Gesher Music Festival presents Beyond the Trenches on Thursday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. "In our third annual partnership with the Missouri History Museum, Gesher explores music from the World War I era. From America to Europe, the homefront to the trenches, you'll learn the stories behind the music from Gesher Artistic Director Sara Sitzer and hear live performances by the talented Gesher artists! Come early and view the World War I: Missouri and The Great War exhibit in the atrium just outside of the auditorium at the Museum. Free, no reservations." The event takes place at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

The Gesher Music Festival presents Prayer for Peace on Saturday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m. "Art and music can tell the stories of war and conflict, but they can also shed rays of hope for a more peaceful future. PRAYER FOR PEACE highlights works by composers who have created beauty despite current events, and offers a chance for reflection and peace even in today's tumultuous world. " The event takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

The Gesher Music Festival presents Transcending Borders on Sunday, August 20 at 3 p.m. "Gesher is the Hebrew word for bridge, which couldn't be more fitting for this program of works by Israeli and Palestinian composers. Join us as we use the power of music to build bridges and facilitate conversation between cultures and nations." The event takes place at the JCCA, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: www.geshermusicfestival.org.

Sangeetha presents a South Indian (Carnatic) style vocal concert on Saturday, August 26, at 7 p.m. The featured performer is "Ms Vidya Anand, an accomplished musician and teacher based in St. Louis for more than fifteen years. She has performed in many concerts and has also trained many students some of whom have reached the level of singing on their own in solo concert performances. Ms. Anand will be accompanied by Mr. Shiva Sankalp of Columbia, MO, on the violin and Mr. Ram Lakshmanan, another St. Louis based artist, on the mridangam". The concert takes place at the Midwest Conservatory of Music, 15977 Clayton Road. For more information: sangeetha.org.

The St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 8, 2017

The American Chamber Chorale

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The American Chamber Chorale and the Salem St.-Louis Chamber Orchestra present Bring We Garlands, a concert of music by Vivaldi, Eric Whitacre and Gerald Finzi, on Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. "Love will be in bloom at our season finale! Music for this concert includes Gerald Finzi's beautiful “Romance” and Eric Whitacre's hauntingly beautiful “Five Hebrew Love Songs”, which sets the poetry of his wife Hila Pitmann. Also, we will will perform Gerald Finzi's charming song cycle “Let Us Garlands Bring”, featuring baritone Christopher Stanfill, and music by James Mulholland. The Salem-St. Louis Chamber Orchestra will perform Vivaldi's “Summer” from “The Four Seasons” and will accompany the ACC." The concert takes place at Salem United Methodist Churh, 1200 S. Lindbergh. For more information: americanchamberchorale.com.

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a master class on The Art of the Baroque Recitative on Monday, May 8 at 3 p.m. "Every singer of Baroque music has to deal with a highly stylized form of musical speech called 'recitative.' Bach Specialist David Gordon has performed and taught Baroque recitative around the world, and in this lecture/masterclass he will show us how to study, learn, and perform this difficult vocal style. Most of all, he will teach us to love it! Presented in collaboration with Saint Louis University's music program in the department of Fine and Performing Arts." The free event takes place at the St. Francis Xavier College Church on the St. Louis University Campus, 3628 Lindell in Grand Center. For more information: bachsociety.org.

Guitarist Steve Schenkel

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents Bach at the Bistro on Tuesday, May 9 at 6 p.m. "Bach was known as the master of improvisation. At this one-of-a-kind event, concert-goers will experience the similarities between improvised jazz and Bach's music, giving the listener a better understanding of how the Master of Baroque music continues to influence modern jazz. Presented at Jazz at the Bistro, this event features guitarist Steve Schenkel, pianist Kim Portnoy and tenor David Gordon." The takes place at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: bachsociety.org.

New Music Circle presents The New Musc Circle Showcase on Saturday, May 13, at 9 p.m. "Our annual NMC showcase will feature regional and local electronic musicians, DJ's, and video artists. The performance takes place at The William A. Kerr Foundation, 21 O'Fallon St, downtown. For more information: newmusiccircle.org. The Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performing music by Philip Glass, Gérard Grisey, and Steve Martland on Wednesday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. The performance takes place in the newly renovated space at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington. For more information: pulitzerarts.org/program/st-louis-symphony-concert-series.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a showing of the classic musical Singin' in the Rain, with the original score performed live by the orchestra, on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., May 13 and 14. "Topping the American Film Institute's list of 25 Greatest Movie Musicals of all time, this masterpiece comes to life on the big screen at Powell Hall. Join us as we celebrate its 65th Anniversary and enjoy the award-winning on-screen performances by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds with the STL Symphony performing the score live." The event takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Vidwan Prince Rama Varma

Sangeetha presents a South Indian (Carnatic) style vocal concert by Vidwan Prince Rama Varma accompanied by artists on the violin and two percussion instruments (mridangam and ghatam) on Sunday, May 14, at 5 p.m. The concert takes place at the Chesterfield Community Theatre at the West County YMCA, 16464 Burkhardt Place. For more information: sangeetha.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Wednesday, May 10, at 8 p.m. “The ensemble performs the newest music being composed today with energetic virtuosity and a sense of adventure, creating programs that not only span a wide range of styles, but also transform the traditional concert experience itself.” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and Stensgaard's Concierto Mexicano for marimba and orchestra on Sunday, May 14, at 2:30 p.m. Jeff Barudin is the soloist for the concerto. The performance takes place in Ridgway Auditorium at The Principia, 13201 Clayton Road. For more information: tcsomo.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the DUC Chamber Music Series: Allison Nyquist, violin, Stephanie Hunt, cello, and Charles Metz, fortepiano, on Wednesday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. The program includes music by Mozart and Haydn. The free event takes place in the Goldberg Formal Lounge in the Danforth Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 27, 2017

The IMI Chamber Players

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African Musical Arts presents its IMI Chamber Players Season Finale Concert on Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m. "The IMI Chamber Players' Season Finale will celebrate intercultural music with chamber works by Gamel Abdel-Rahim, William Grant-Still, Kwabena Nketia, Adolphus Hailstork, Fred Onovwerosuoke, and others. The concert will include the Missouri premiere of Onovwerosuoke's Serenade for Five Flutes. Other featured performers include pianist Sunghee Hinners, flutist/pianist Marie Jureit-Beamish and special guest Bjorn Randheim" The concert takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: africarts.org.

The Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis presents a program of works by Rachmaninoff, Bach, and Mozart on Sunday, April 2, at 7 p.m. Soloists Susie Thierbach, Ann Dolan, and Jennifer Adams in Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 East Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: metro-orch.org.

Ronu Majumdar and U. Rajesh

Sangeetha presents a fusion concert of North Indian style (Hindustani) music on the flute by Sri Ronu Majumdar and South Indian style (Carnatic) music on the mandolin by Sri U. Rajesh accompanied by two percussionists - Sri Harshad Kanetkar on the tabla and Sri S. V. Ramani on the mridangam on Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The concert takes place at the Chesterfield Community Theatre at the West County YMCA, 16464 Burkhardt Place. For more information: sangeetha.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the St. Louis Brass Band in Brass Exhibition on Tuesday, March 28, at 7 PM. “The Saint Louis Brass Band is pleased to return to The Sheldon Concert Hall again this season. We are also please to feature as Guest Artist St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Bass Trombonist Gerry Pagano! The intimate setting of the Sheldon is perfect for the Brass Band to present soloists and give the audience an opportunity to hear them and meet them up close and personal. This will be an exciting evening of low brass extravaganza!” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra

Southwestern Illinois College presents An Evening in Spain on Thursday, March 30, a 7 p.m. "Seville, Granada, Cordoba … sample the music of southern Spain in this recital featuring violinist Manuela Kaymakanova and pianist Diana Umali. The program will explore lively dance music from the Andalucia, a region known for its hot-blooded and soulful flamenco, with its echoes of gypsy roots from beyond the Spanish border." The event takes place at the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center on the college campus at 2500 Carlyle Ave. in Belleville, IL. For more information: schmidtartcenter.com.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra plays works by Debussy and Mozart on Sunday, April 2, at 2:30 PM. Featured soloists will be harpist Danielle Williams in Debussy's Danses sacrée et profane and French hornist Jennifer Ernest in Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 4. The performance takes place Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas Road. For more information: tcsomo.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of October 10, 2016

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BandTogether presents a Fantastic Worlds and Where to Find Them: A BandTogether Halloween Concert on Saturday, October 15, at 8 PM. "Travel through time and space with Dr. Who, visit Hogwarts with Harry Potter, explore the Twelve Colonies with Battlestar Galactica, ride on the USS Enterprise with Star Trek, and roam Middle Earth with Lord of the Rings." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City, MO. For more information: www.bandtogetherstl.com.

The Chamber Project St. Louis

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Essence on Tuesday, October 11, at 7:30 PM. "Essence: We ask in this program, what are the aspects of a homeland defining its true impact on you, the individual? This program will feature our first commission of the season by Adam Maness, inspired by St. Louis. With Ligeti, we will hear a composer released from the constraints of communism finally free to express the rhythm of his homeland. Bartok and Dvorak capture the spirit of their countries in every tune they wrote. The program concludes with the masterwork by the great German composer, Brahms, who's music is the quintessential sound of his time and place." The performance takes place at The Vino Gallery, 4701 McPherson in the Central West End. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

Sangeetha presents a vocal concert of North Indian Classical Music by Pandit Nagraj Havaldar accompanied by Kedarnath Havaldar on tabla and Sameer Havaldar on harmonium on Saturday, October 15, at 7 p.m. " Accomplished singer, composer and teacher, Dr. Nagaraj Rao Havaldar of Kirana Gharana, is a disciple Pandit Madhava Gudi. He has a subtle understanding of a scholar and the finesse of an aesthete. Gifted with a voice that traverses three octaves, his music has a powerful emotional and intellectual appeal. Dr. Havaldar has performed across India, at festivals such as the Hampi Utsav (Karnataka), Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (Benaras), Salt Lake Music Festival (Kolkata) etc. He has toured the U.S. and the U.K. extensively." The concert takes place at the Midwest Music Conservatory, 15977 Clayton Road in Ballwin, MO. For more information: sangeetha.org.

Hannu Lintu conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, with cello soloist Alban Gerhardt, on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. October 14 - 16. "The Guardian of London declares that Alban Gerhardt is 'one of the finest cellists around-expressive and infinitely classy.' Gerhardt performs Dvorák's lyrical Cello Concerto-a work beloved for its memorable melodies and moments of tranquility. You will be transported to a world of tricks and mischief through Stravinsky's Petrushka, a colorful work bringing to life the antics of a magical puppet." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The University City Symphony

The University City Symphony Orchestra presents A Taste of Italy on Sunday, October 16, at 3 p.m. "The UCSO proudly presents the 2016-2017 Season: The Compleat Cultural Tourist. The concert “Taste of Italy” is the first in a series that will focus on several different world cultures. The program will celebrate the music of Italy, spotlighting the music of Gioachino Rossini, Ottorino Respighi, and Niccolò Paganini. The opening concert will also feature University City resident and former St. Louis Symphony musician, Manuel Ramos, in his return as soloist with the UCSO." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: ucso.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents musicians from the Missouri Chamber Music Festival on Monday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m. "This program is a fresh take on heritage works for piano and strings by Mozart and Schubert." The performance takes place in the Goldberg Formal Lounge at the Danforth University Center on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu.