St. Louis classical calendar for the week of April 4, 2016

The Choir of St. John's College

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge on Friday at 8 p.m., April 8, at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. "The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge is one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world – known and loved by millions from its broadcasts, concert tours and over 90 recordings. Founded in the 1670s, the Choir is known for its rich, warm and distinctive sound, its expressive interpretations and its ability to sing in a variety of styles. Alongside this discipline, the Choir is particularly proud of its happy, relaxed and mutually supportive atmosphere. The Choir is directed by Andrew Nethsingha following in a long line of eminent Directors of Music, recently Dr George Guest, Dr Christopher Robinson and Dr David Hill."  For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood presents a concert by The Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis on Sunday, April 10, at 7 p.m. "Season Four concludes with Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. The Choirs of Webster University and guest conductor, Trent Patterson join Conductor Laureate, Allen Carl Larson in this powerful work. Also on this concert is the beautiful Adagietto from Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and Mozart’s Ave Verum."  First Presbyterian Church is at 100 East Adams in Kirkwood.  For more information: metro-orch.org.

Cameron Carpenter

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts presents Cameron Carpenter featuring the International Touring Organ on Thursday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m.  "Virtuoso composer-performer Cameron Carpenter smashes the stereotypes of organists and organ music, all the while generating worldwide acclaim and controversy. His diverse repertoire includes the complete works of Bach, film scores, original works and collaborations with jazz and pop artists." The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL.  For more information: thehett.com.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis presents the Annual Spring Recital for its Monsanto Artists-in-Training vocal program on Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m.  This year, the competition will be adjudicated by internationally acclaimed American mezzo­ soprano Denyce Graves, who previously appeared on the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis stage in the 2013 world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Champion. The event, followed by a complimentary reception, takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall at 3648 Washington Boulevard in Grand Center.  For more information: experienceopera.org.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Five: All Manner of Gods on Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m.  "Choirs have celebrated numerous faiths over the centuries. We present a paean to the Greek god Pan by Granville Bantock, the praise of Jupiter by Gombert, and invocations to Hindu gods by John Schlenck. These contrast with music serving the Judeo-Christian traditions by Salamone Rossi and Gustav Holst, as well as a commission from Pulitzer-Prize winner, Steven Stucky." The concert takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a showing of the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, with the John Williams score performed live by the orchestra conducted by Erik Ochsner, Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 8-10.  The showings take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Alec Feldges

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Timothy Jansen and Craig Frutiger in a joint piano recital on Tuesday, April 5, at 8 p.m. The concert features music by Liszt  The Tavern of Fine Arts is in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.   For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents guitarist Alec Feldges on Friday, April 8, at 8 p.m.  "Classical guitarist Alec Feldges performs at the Tavern before returning to school at Mizzou."  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 March 28, 2016

Time for Three

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The Community Music School of Webster University presents a concert by Time for Three on Thursday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. "The classically trained trio (Nicholas Kendall and Nikki Chooi, violins; and Ranaan Meyer, double bass) defies any traditional genre classification. With virtuosity and showmanship, the trio performs music from Bach to Brahms and beyond, including originals and their own arrangements of everything from bluegrass to ingenious pop-music mash-ups." The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

DaySpring Arts and Education presents a Bach Birthday Bash on Friday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m. "DaySpring students and faculty are joined by members of the Bach Society of Saint Louis for a fun and educational concert showcasing Johann Sebastian Bach's large body of work. Listen to pieces on period instruments, enjoy unique dance collaborations with DaySpring's Volé Connection, learn about the 330-year-old master's extensive career and life, and be entertained by Saint Louis's oldest continuous chorus." The performance takes place in the Black Box at DaySpring Arts and Education's new state-of-the-art facility, 2500 Metro Blvd. Maryland Heights, MO. For more information: dayspringarts.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, April 3, at 3 PM. The program features music by Mozart, Brahms, and Telemann. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The Ethical Society presents a Great Artist Guitar Series concert with Lukasz Kuropaczewski on Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m. "A native of Gniezno, Poland, Mr. Kuropaczewski studied with Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory, awarded the Artist Diploma in 2008. He has appeared on stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow and Carnegie Hall in New York. " The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

2 Cellos

The Fox Theatre presents 2 Cellos on Thursday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. "Propelled into international fame in 2011 after their version of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal” went viral, the Croatian cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, continue to wow their fans with dynamic music videos and covers of today's most classic and popular songs. Most recently their Baroque inspired, yet high octane head-banging video of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck” garnered over 45 Million views to date. The duo returned to their rock roots on their recently released, critically acclaimed, third album Celloverse.” The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with soprano soloist Susanna Phillips in Ravel's Mother Goose Suite, Claude Vivier's Lonely Child and Mahler's Symphony No. 4 on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., April 2 and 3. "Originally composed for the enjoyment of young children at the piano, Ravel's Mother Goose Suite was later transcribed for full orchestra, offering audiences a vivid orchestration of the adolescent fairytale. Mahler also reveals the innocence of youth depicting a child's view of celestial bliss in the finale of his Fourth Symphony. Returning after her captivating 2013 performance in Peter Grimes with the STL Symphony, soprano Susanna Phillips will astound audiences singing the finale of Mahler's Fourth." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents Cortango Orquesta on Friday, April 1, at 7:0 p.m. "Cortango Orquesta – an ensemble of musicians from The St. Louis Symphony with Cally Banham, English horn and oboe, Asako Kuboki, violin, David DeRiso, bass, and guest pianist Adam Maness– team up with Principal Harp Allegra Lilly to perform a concert that features tango with a symphonic twist. Free and open to the public." The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

Julia Bullock
sheldonconcerthall.org

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents soprano Julia Bullock and pianist Renate Rohlfine on Wednesday, March 30, at 8 PM. "Soprano Julia Bullock is a rising star in the opera world, with performances in New York, Boston, San Francisco and Paris to her credit. A St. Louis native and graduate of Opera Theatre's Artist-in-Training program, Bullock won the 2014 Naumburg International Vocal Competition, and is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School. Don't miss an exciting performance by a singer The New York Times hails as "ravishingly visceral.”” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents tenor Phil Touchette and pianist Jon Garrett in Liederabend: Beloved Schubert and Brahms Songs on Wednesday, March 30, at 8 p.m. "Tenor Phil Touchette returns to the Tavern with pianist Jon Garrett for a Liederabend recital of beloved songs by Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms. In addition to these works, Phil has prepared a special set comprised of well known "Lieder" that didn't originate in German, but have become quite popular in German-speaking countries. Do you want to know the theme? You'll have to come and join us." 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 baritone Erik Olson and pianist Jon Garrett on Friday, April 2, 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 Reuel Umali, tenor and Diana Umali, piano on Saturday, April 3 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 Town and Country Symphony Orchestra presents a special Holiday Concert on Sunday, April 3, at 2:30 PM. "The Orchestra also performs in a variety of musical styles — classical, pops, Christmas pops, operettas, and oratorios." The performance includes David Diamond's Rounds for String Orchestra and Peter Warlock's Capriol Suite and takes place at Parkway UCC Auditorium, 2841 N. Ballas Road. For more information: tcsomo.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 15, 2016

Dr. Jeannine Jordan

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Music at St. Paul's presents Dr. Jeannine Jordan, organist, and David Jordan, media artist, in From Sea to Shining Sea, a multimedia organ concert, on Sunday, February 21, 7:00 P.M. Experience the story through narration, music, and pictures. Live streaming video will give you a close-up view of Dr. Jordan performing on St. Paul's recently expanded Martin Ott pipe organ. The concert takes place at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 2345 Manchester Road in Des Peres. For more information: stpaulsdesperes.org.

The St. Louis Symphony's Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies, featuring a discussion/presentation on Prokofiev's ballet "Romeo and Juliet", on Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 PM. "What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment." A special cocktail is created for each event to accompany the music. 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.

Leila Josefowicz

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and violin soloist Leila Josefowicz in music by Sibelius, Berlioz, and John Adams at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., February 19 and 20. "David Robertson opens the four-week Shakespeare Festival with dramatic selections from Sibelius' The Tempest, featuring actors from Shakespeare Festival Saint Louis and incorporating dreamlike and magical colors conjuring a violent storm at sea. Violinist Leila Josefowicz returns with her "gleaming sound and supple technique" (New York Times) performing John Adams' Symphony for Violin and Orchestra, Scheherazade.2." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Tales from Shakespeare on Sunday, February 21, at 3 p.m. "Take a journey through the eyes of a few of Shakespeare's most adventurous characters. Magic and mischief will follow you as his exciting stories unfold before your eyes and ears. Through music and the ancient art of storytelling, children and families will connect with the language and themes of some of Shakespeare's most popular plays in an immersive, theatrical celebration! Featuring Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream and more!" The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Mizzou Guitar Studio Showcase on Friday, February 19, at 8 p.m. "From the University of Missouri-Columbia, The MU Guitar Department presents a guitar showcase." 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 January 25, 2016

Nathan Laube

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents organist Nathan Laube on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., January 31, at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. "Assistant Professor of Music at the Eastman School of Music, concert organist Nathan Laube has quickly earned a place among the organ world's elite performers. His brilliant playing and gracious demeanor have thrilled audiences and presenters across the United States and in Europe, and his creative programming of repertoire spanning five centuries, including his own virtuoso transcriptions of orchestral works, have earned high praise from critics and peers alike." For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Shadow: From Darkness to Light on Friday, December 29, at 8 p.m. "An exotic and haunting program featuring Stella Markou, soprano with flute, cello, and piano." The evening includes music by Franck, Massanet, and Ravel. The concert takes place at the Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: chamberprojectstl.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, January 31, at 3 PM. The program features the Osler Quintet and guest artists in music by Malcom Arnold, Gabriel Fauré, and Max Reger. Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The St. Louis Art Museum presents a high-definition video broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera's production Puccini's Turandot on Saturday, January 30, at 11:55 a.m. "Nina Stemme takes on the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand, opposite Marco Berti as Calàf, the brave prince who sings "Nessun dorma” and wins her love. Anita Hartig and Leah Crocetto share the role of Liù, the faithful slave girl. Franco Zeffirelli's golden production is conducted by Paolo Carignani." The live digital HD video broadcast from New York takes place in The Farrell Auditorium at the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: slam.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Osler Quintet in an evening of music by Schumann, Beethoven, and Faure on Wednesday, January 27, 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.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 18, 2016

Charis in 2011

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CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus, invites the public to open rehearsals for its next show Behind the Scenes on Tuesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m., through January 26. "Join CHARIS - The St. Louis Women's Chorus for open rehearsals as we prepare for our final show of our 22nd season, "Behind the Scenes". We welcome you to our open rehearsals on January 5th, 19th, & 26th and to a social networking event January 12th to learn about CHARIS and the music and concept for our next concert. CHARIS is a non-auditioned community chorus open to anyone who identifies as a woman. We are a diverse group of women united in our mission to perform music that celebrates and encourages women and the LGBTQ community." Rehearsals take place at the Center for Divine Love, 3617 Wyoming in the South Grand neighborhood. For more information: charischorus.org.

The New Music Circle presents its 2016 opening concert featuring Baltimore pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn and Chicago percussionist Frank Rosaly on Friday, January 22, at 7 PM. "New Music Circle audiences may recall hearing percussionist Frank Rosaly at a performance in 2013 with Joshua Abrams's Natural Information Society at Joe's Cafe. As we heard, unusual percussive devices such as found objects and electronic sounds are often included in his arsenal, and he is capable of transitioning from the most subtle sounds to intense outbursts, all in the same breath. Baltimore pedal steel guitarist, Susan Alcorn, will make her first time visit to St. Louis! Alcorn is a Baltimore based composer and instrumentalist who has received international recognition as an innovator of the pedal steel guitar. Alcorn elicits an expansive range of sounds from her instrument, from accessible country glissandos to Theremin like science fiction “noir” effects." The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Symphony's Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies, featuring a discussion/presentation on Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5, on Thursday, January 21 at 7:00 PM. "What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment." A special cocktail is created for each event to accompany the music. 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.

Timothy McAllister
timothymcallister.com

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson presents John Adams's Saxophone Concerto, with soloist Timothy McAllister, and Mahler's Symphony No. 5 Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., January 22 and 23. "From the opening funeral march to the exuberant and glorious brass finale, Mahler's Fifth Symphony is a larger-than-life work capturing a wide spectrum of emotions including possibly the greatest and most famous musical love letter ever written-from Mahler to his new bride, Alma. This monumental work is paired with Adams' jazzed-infused Saxophone Concerto featuring Timothy McAllister." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson presents Romantic Favorites Friday at 8 p.m., January 22. "David Robertson leads an evening devoted entirely to love and romance captured in music. From Mendelssohn's familiar Wedding March in A Midsummer Night's Dream, heard at countless weddings, to Mahler's hauntingly beautiful Adagietto, this concert is full of favorites that evoke the sounds of love in the air." The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Wednesday, January 20, at 8 pm, The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Cellist Bjorn Ranheim and violinist Shawn Weil. "Cellist Bjorn Ranheim and violinist Shawn Weil, members of the St. Louis Symphony and genre-defying acoustic quartet, The 442s, present an eclectic program in collaboration with musical friends. Including virtuosic duos by Kodály and Stefan Freund, Schoenfield's sparkling "Café Music" with pianist Peter Henderson, and a new work by composer Adam Maness for The 442s and vocalist Brian Owens, this not-to-be-missed program has something for everyone!" The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

Duo Bandini-Chiacchiaretta
bandinichiacchiaretta.com

Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 pm, The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Duo Bandini-Chiacchiaretta. "This Duo consisting of guitarist Giampaolo Bandini and bandoneon player Cesare Chiacchiaretta was formed in 2002 with the express intent of presenting the Argentinian "new tango"music of Astor Piazzolla with its two essential instruments. Their first CD "Hombres de Tango" has been greeted with great enthusiasm, selling more than 10,000 copies. Extraordinarily charismatic, the Duo has performed throughout both Eastern and Western Europe to great acclaim." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a concert by soprano Rebecca Drury on Saturday, January 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 the Nylönïcä Guitar Trio (David Ferrara, Mark Akin, Adam Gabbert) in an evening of trios, duos, and solos on Saturday, January 16, at 8 p.m. "Nylönïcä! is a St. Louis-based classical guitar trio specializing in modern classical and rock compositions arranged for guitar." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Winter Opera St. Louis presents Mozart's comic opera Cosi fan Tutte Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, January 22 and 24. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.