St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 23, 2016

The Chamber Project's
Jennifer Gartley

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The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Choice on Friday, May 27, at 8:00 PM. "You vote for your favorites at all of the Chamber Project concerts all season long, and we play the winners in one epic concert. Come and hear your favorites performed one last time at our final concert of the season!" The performance takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Shalimar the Clown: Bringing an Acclaimed Novel from the Page to the Stage on Monday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. Guest speakers: Jack Perla and Rajiv Joseph, the composer and librettist of the world premiere opera Shalimar the Clown. It's part of their Spotlight on Opera, a series of four insightful dialogues exploring the ideas in each season's opera, and it takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Thursday, May 26, at 8 PM. “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 Tavern of Fine Arts presents Death, Daggers, and Disease: A Night at the Opera on Monday, May 23 at 8 p.m. A cast of St. Louis opera singers will perform famous death scenes from favorite operas, including"Dead Man Walking," "La bohème," "Carmen," and "La Traviata." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Alexander Weymann

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents pianist Alexander Weymann in a solo recital of music by Handel, Beethoven, Lutoslawski, Dutilleux, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov on Wednesday, May 25 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 Greenleaf Singers on Friday, May 27 at 6 p.m. "The Greenleaf Singers is an exciting vocal ensemble specializing in a cappella music of the Renaissance. Their repertoire includes folk songs from village festivals, love melodies from royal palaces, and drinking numbers from raucous taverns. Come and hear their wonderfully blended voices as they bring to life the works of the most gifted composers of the 15th thru 16th Centuries." 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 April 25, 2016

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On Tuesday, April 26th, at 6:30 p.m., New Music Circle, in collaboration with the St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis Polonia, presents 18&Counting, Vernacular String Trio, and Chris Smentkowski performing live scores to experimental films from Poland (1940-1980). This event, which is free and open to the public, takes place in the lower level auditorium at the St. Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive downtown. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

Jennifer Gartley of
The Chamber Project

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Wander on Tap on Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30 PM. "We close our season of original programing with a feisty program for flute, clarinet, harp and strings playing music from around the world. From the haunting beauty of French Impressionism, to Celtic sounds and a wild spin of gypsy music arranged by local composer Christian Woehr, this concert will lead you down a satisfying path!" The performance takes place at The Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus, presents Behind the Scenes on Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30, at 8 p.m. " For the 2nd concert of our 23rd season, CHARIS will present "Behind the Scenes," a concert offering an insider's perspective on the world of singing and performing. Songs and narration will take the audience from those first rehearsals in which singers get to know each other, all the way to concert night, examining what happens along the way. The audience will also be taken "behind the scenes" as CHARIS presents sneak peeks of their upcoming performances at the "Big Gay Sing" with the Gateway Men's Chorus, the 2016 North American OutGames (hosted here in St. Louis) in June and our performance at the international GALA choruses festival in Denver, Colorado in July." The performances take place in the auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: charischorus.org.

The Chess Club of St. Louis presents The Sound of Chess, a performance by the Mizzou New Music Ensemble, featuring original compositions inspired by the game of chess, on Saturday, April 30, at 6 p.m. The concert, which inclues cocktails and hors d'oeurves, takes place at the Kingside Diner, 4651 Maryland in the Central West End. For more information: saintlouischessclub.org.

The Community Music School of Webster University presents a concert by The Webster University New Music Ensemble on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. "The Webster University New Music Ensemble present two classics in European Minimalism: The Sinking of the Titanic (1969-) by Gavin Bryars and Worker's Union (1975) by Louis Andriessen." The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

Celeste Golden Boyer

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with violin soloist Celeste Golden Boyer on Friday, April 29, at 8 p.m. "Symphonic music has tremendous power to tell the story! From Ponchielli's Dance of the Hours to Dukas's mischievous The Sorcerer's Apprentice, let the orchestra be your guide on this musical adventure exploring tales from around the globe." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with tympani soloist Shannon Wood on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., April 30 and May 1. "STL Symphony timpanist Shannon Wood steps forward to perform William Kraft's unique and rhythmic Timpani Concerto No. 2, "The Grand Encounter." Subtitled from 15 chamber works called 'Encounters', this distinctive piece is rarely heard in concert. The orchestra brings the evening to a spectacular conclusion with Schubert's Symphony No. 9." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents two concerts by the Arianna String Quartet on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. "The Arianna Quartet joins their friends, the internationally acclaimed Brazilian violin and guitar duo Daniel Guedes and Mario Ulloa, to perform a unique mix of Brazilian jazz standards, original compositions, and select classical movements in a unique cross-over soiree!" The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The West County Family YMCA presents The Dastan Ensemble in a concert of Persian classical music on Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m. The concert features soloists on the tar, Kemenche, ud, setar and other Middle Eastern instruments. For more information: chicagopersianevents.com.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 14, 2016

The Chamber Project St. Louis

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Divine on Wednesday, March 16, at 7:30 PM. "Heaven and earth intersect with this program highlighting Schubert’s String Quintet, often regarded as the pinnacle of chamber music, composed to express the universality of the human condition. Stabat Mater for soprano and string quartet by Virgil Thomson compliments and rounds out the program. We return to The Chapel for this intimate and beautiful program." The performance takes place at The Vino Gallery 4701 McPherson in the Central West End. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org

The Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents members of the St. Louis Symphony performing the Piano Sonata No. 3 by Pierre Boulez and The Companion Guide to Rome by Andrew Norman on Wednesday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. The performance takes place in the newly renovated space at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony’s Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies, featuring a discussion/presentation on Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, on Thursday, March 17 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.

David Halen

Jun Märkl conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in music by Beethoven and Schumann Friday at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m., March 18-20. "Concertmaster David Halen will display his "singing tone and superior technique" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), with the sweeping melodies and virtuosic finale of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, a performance certain to bring St. Louis audiences to their feet. Schumann’s "Rhenish" Symphony paints a romantic landscape of the Rhine region in Germany, written just after the composer’s peaceful visit to the region." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in music by Tchaikovsky and Bernstein, along with winners of the orchestra's annual Concerto Competition, on Friday, March 18, at 8 p.m. "The STL Symphony Youth Orchestra represents some of St. Louis’ most talented young musicians—join them in their second concert of the season at Powell Hall featuring the winners of the annual Concerto Competition!" The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents a Palm Sunday Concert on Sunday, March 20, at 4 p.m. "Soprano Angel Riley and pianist Andrew Peters present a concert for Palm Sunday. A student at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, Riley has been a guest soprano with The Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis. Free and open to the public." 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, March 14, 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.

Jeffrey Noonan

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents tenor Jeffrey Gonder and pianist Jocelyn Rugaber in a pre-St. Patrick's Day concert on Tuesday, March 15, at 8 p.m. The concert features ballads, folk songs, and piano solos about and from the Emerald Isle. Concert favorites, show tunes, and arias will also be featured. 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 Jeffrey Noonan performing French music for lute, baroque guitar and theorbo on Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m. The concert includes music by Vallet, Gaultier, and de Visee. 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 7, 2016

The Bach Society of St. Louis

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Bach Society of St. Louis in a performance of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., March 13, at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. "Cathedral Concerts is proud to collaborate with one of St. Louis finest arts organizations, the Bach Society of Saint Louis, as together we present Faure's "Requiem" in the heavenly setting of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Don't miss your opportunity to hear this beloved masterpiece." For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Divine on Friday, March 11, at 8:00 PM. "Heaven and earth intersect with this program highlighting Schubert's String Quintet, often regarded as the pinnacle of chamber music, composed to express the universality of the human condition. Stabat Mater for soprano and string quartet by Virgil Thomson compliments and rounds out the program. We return to The Chapel for this intimate and beautiful program." The performance takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

The Confluence Chamber Orchestra presents a preview performance of The Roots of Ragtime on Monday, March 7, at noon. "Preparing for next year's Scott Joplin 150th Birthday, the Confluence Chamber Orchestra presents Roots of Ragtime, a concert tracing the development of this uniquely American musical form – from its sources in Romantic classical music, the marches of John Philip Sousa, and popular dances of the period. Selections will include Celebrated Dances by antebellum African American composer Frank Johnson, Grand Bamboula by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Liberty Bell March by John Philip Sousa, At a Georgia Campmeeting by Kerry Mills, and of course The Entertainer, by Scott Joplin. The program was developed in cooperation with the Friends of Scott Joplin and the Missouri History Museum." The concert takes place at The Monday Club, 37 South Maple in Webster Groves. For more information: confluencechamberorchestra.org.

The Confluence Chamber Orchestra

The Confluence Chamber Orchestra presents The Roots of Ragtime on Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m. "Preparing for next year's Scott Joplin 150th Birthday, the Confluence Chamber Orchestra presents Roots of Ragtime, a concert tracing the development of this uniquely American musical form – from its sources in Romantic classical music, the marches of John Philip Sousa, and popular dances of the period. Selections will include Celebrated Dances by antebellum African American composer Frank Johnson, Grand Bamboula by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Liberty Bell March by John Philip Sousa, At a Georgia Campmeeting by Kerry Mills, and of course The Entertainer, by Scott Joplin. The program was developed in cooperation with the Friends of Scott Joplin and the Missouri History Museum." The concert takes place at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: confluencechamberorchestra.org.

The Fox Theatre presents The Piano Guys on Thursday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. "What do you get when you mix up a marketing genius that does video, a studio engineer that writes music, a pianist that had a successful solo career, and a cellist that does pretty much everything? The Piano Guys: a miraculous meeting of "guys" with the same intrinsic purpose – to make a positive impact in the lives of people all over the world through music videos. Hailing from Utah, The Piano Guys became an Internet sensation by way of their immensely successful series of strikingly original self-made music videos. They've made over 35 since joining forces in early 2011, including their hit video, an innovative 10-handed version of One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful.'" But it's the Guys' highly original blend of classical music with pop that has really been the cause of their Internet phenomenon. The Fox Theatre is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Leonard Slatkin conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Berlioz's Roméo et Juliette Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., March 11 and 12. The program is part of the Symphony's four-week Shakespeare Festival. "Berlioz pays homage to the most famous love story of all time in his elegant Roméo et Juliette. Full of lyrical beauty, Berlioz was influenced by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Shakespeare's epic drama. The STL Symphony and Chorus perform together conveying the magic and brevity of love in this work performed under the baton of Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin bringing the Shakespeare Festival to a spectacular conclusion." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Wind Symphony performs Julie Giroux's Symphony No. 5 ("Heartland Portraits") and other wind band compositions on Sunday, March 13, at 3 PM.  The performance takes place in the Viragh Center on the Chaminade School campus in on North Lindbergh in Ladue. For more information: stlwindsym.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Eric Mandat, clarinetist/composer, with Kendra Stenger, visual artist on Thursday, March 10, at 8 p.m. "Infinite Edges juxtaposes movements from Eric's recent solo clarinet composition, Chiral Symmetries, with improvisational commentaries, both acoustic and with interactive technologies. The work explores the edges between parallels and divergences in our interactions in controlled environments, and analogous processes which occur independently of our control, yet which often profoundly influence our perceptions, reactions, and ongoing transformations of being." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.  For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Washington University presents Not So Classical, a multimedia film and concert experience featuring violinist Tatiana Berman and two time grammy-nominated classical saxophonist Amy Dickson, on Thursday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. The events takes place at the 560 Music Center Ballroom Theatre in University City. "The experimental hybrid film/concert experience has only been performed once, making St. Louis the second city on a growing list of destinations. The concert’s running time of approximately 75 minutes, fast pace, and story driven program was designed specifically for a contemporary world dominated by visual media. Traditionalists will also appreciate the program, which includes short pieces from composers including Bach, Schumann and a few surprises." For more information: www.culturemonster.org.

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 November 16, 2015

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Vienna Boys Choir on Saturday, November 21, at 8 p.m. at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. "The world's most beloved choir has been thrilling audiences young and old for over 500 years. Their eagerly anticipated tours play to sell out crowds around the world. Don't miss your opportunity to hear them in this special Holiday Concert at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis." For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

The Chamber Project

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Play on Saturday, November 21, at 8 PM. The program includes music for violin, cello, flute, harp, and percussion by Mozart and Poulenc as well as a world premiere by Christopher Stark. The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

The Missouri Chamber Music Festival presents Pro Jam for the ProAm Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. "Join the Missouri Chamber Music Festival for a chamber music party celebrating MOCM's Pro-Am Intensive Workshop. Guaranteed fun, whether you join the chamber music readings with our Pros or just sit back and listen." 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.

The St. Louis Art Museum presents a high-definition video broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera's production Alban Berg's Lulu on Saturday, November 21, at 11:30 AM. "Acclaimed artist and director William Kentridge (The Nose) applies his unique theatrical vision to Berg's notorious femme fatale who shatters lives, including her own. Musically, the masterful score is in the sure hands of Met Music Director James Levine. Soprano Marlis Petersen has excited audiences around the world with her portrayal of the tour-de-force title role, a wild journey of love, obsession, and death. Susan Graham joins a winning cast, including Daniel Brenna and Johan Reuter." 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 St. Louis Symphony's Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, November 19, 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. This month's discussion/presentation will be on Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. 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 in Musical Flight, a program of popular classics, on Friday and at 8 p.m. November 20. The program includes music by Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff, and Rossini as well as Britten's Young People's Guide to the Orchestra. 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, with violinst Jack Liebeck, on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., November 21 and 22. The program features the Symphony No. 1 by Brahms. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Alan Pierson conducts
Alarm Will Sound

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Friday, November 20, at 8 PM. “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 Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Perseid String Quartet and pianist Diana Umali in a program of music by music by Dohnanyi and Beethoven on Saturday, November 21, 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 Washington University Department of Music presents Music of the Great War on Monday, November 16, at 5 p.m. "Members of the St. Louis Symphony join forces with applied faculty from the Department of Music to present a concert of chamber music influenced by World War I in partnership with the Mildred L. Kemper Art Museum's exhibition “World War I: War of Images, Images of War.” The concert will feature the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Edward Elgar, and Claude Debussy. Reception to follow." The performance takes place at The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 7, 2015

The Chamber Project St. Louis

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The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Spark on Friday, May 29, at 9:30 PM.  The program includes music for violin, cello, flute, harp, and percussion by Haydn, Saint-Saens, and Villa-Lobos,  The performance takes place at Crave Coffeehouse, 3500 Caroline Street.  For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., September 11-13.   "Journey with the STL Symphony back to the land of Hyrule with The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Master Quest is a never-before seen or heard multimedia concert experience that celebrates the beloved 28-year-old The Legend of Zelda franchise.”  The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Sara Gottman

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Sara Gottman: In English on Monday, September 7, at 8 p.m.  "Sara Gottman, mezzo-soprano, and Robert Valentine, baritone and piano, are pleased to bring you an evening of English language favorites including selections by Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Jason Robert Brown, and the little-done Vaughan Williams song cycle "The House of Life." Come and enjoy the evening with us - no translations needed!"  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 Marie Meunier, soprano and Jeff Noonan, guitar on Friday, September 11, 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 James Nacy, cello and Diana Umali, piano on Friday, September 11, 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 Arianna String Quartet

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Arianna String Quartet in Essential Arianna on Friday, September 11, at 8 PM.  "The Arianna Quartet launches their 2015-16 Touhill Concert Series with three riveting works that capture the power, grace, elegance and nuance of the art of the string quartet. Mozart’s impassioned Quartet in D minor, K.421 opens the ASQ’s season, striking a delicate balance between hushed utterances and operatic grandeur, luring us into the beauty of Mozart’s dark timbres. The ASQ is then thrilled to present Pulitzer Prize winning composer Kevin Puts’ mesmerizing Credo for String Quartet. Originally from St. Louis, Mr. Puts has established himself as one of America’s most important composers. Famous for its gripping drama and unparalleled intimacy of expression, Beethoven’s revolutionary Quartet in B-flat Major, Op.130 closes this evening of essential quartet classics."  The Touhill Performing Arts Center in on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus.  For more information: touhill.org.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of the music of Strauss, Handel, Grofe, and Rimski-Korsakov on Sunday, September 13, at 2:30 PM.  The performance takes place in Ridgway Auditorium at The Principia, 13201 Clayton Road.  For more information: tcsomo.org

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 25, 2015

The Chamber Project St. Louis

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The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Choice on Friday, May 29, at 8:00 PM. "You vote for your favorites at all of the Chamber Project concerts all season long, and we play the winners in one epic concert. Come and hear your favorites performed one last time at our final concert of the season!" The performance takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Rondine in rotating repertory with three other operas May 30 through June 28. "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 directorStephen Lord brings Puccini's gorgeous music and romantic storytelling to life in this stunning, newbelle 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.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Thursday, May 28, at 8 PM. “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 St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Six: Wiliam Billings and Richard Rodney Bennet on Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. "The first truly American composer, William Billings, contributes songs from the Revolutionary War period, which seem worlds apart from the urbane witticisms of an adopted New Yorker, Richard Rodney Bennett. Calico Pie, his delightful cycle of Edward Lear poems, is reprised by the choir that gave its US premiere in 2000." The concert takes place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org.

Salvadora Galan

The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society presents Salvadora Galan in concert on Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. "Don't miss this opportunity to experience Flamenco in its most compelling form with an artist supremely gifted as both guitarist and singer in a one woman show, presented by the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society. From Seville, Spain, Ms. Galan developed in a family where Flamenco is life itself. A contest winner at age 13, she began performing professionally at age 17. Since then she has toured regularly internationally, and has just performed in Austin Texas for the Alianza Latinoamericano, and in Miami in the Festival de Cante Flamenco. If you attend, you will never forget the experience." The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra with clarinet soloist Aleksis Martin in a concert of music by Bernstein, Mozart, and Rimski-Korsakov on Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Lost in Space: Star Wars and More on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. "The STL Symphony takes you on a cosmic ride to distant galaxies performing music inspired by outer space. Resident Conductor Steven Jarvi leads the orchestra in a newly released suite to John Williams' score from the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as selections from Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey and more. Arrive early for your family to take a selfie with Storm Troopers and other favorite characters from Star Wars!" The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The 442s

The Tavern of Fine Arts and Civil Life Brewing Company present The 442s in concert on Tuesday, May 26, at 8 p.m.. “What happens when you combine two outstanding members of the world-class St. Louis Symphony with two of the city's finest jazz musicians from the Erin Bode Group? You get The 442's, an exciting new acoustic instrumental quartet named for the modern standard tuning of 442 Hz! Brought together by the innovative and inspired compositions of Adam Maness, who also plays guitar, accordion, melodica and glockenspiel in the group, The 442's features Shawn Weil on violin, Bjorn Ranheim on cello and Sydney Rodway on bass. This unique collaboration, formed in the spring of 2012 by a tight-knit group whose love of good food and fine beer makes rehearsals feel like dinner parties, combines outstanding musicianship, group singing, inventive improvisation, whistle solos and special guest appearances by famed jazz vocalist, Erin Bode. Exploring the boundaries of jazz, classical, folk and rock music, their music can move you to the edge of your seat or comfort you like a lullaby, all within the same set.” 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 Jilliann Law, soprano and Jake Tackett, tenor in concert on Friday, May 29, 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 Senses in Harmony ensemble in concert on Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. " The "Senses in Harmony" cast is delighted to return for their 3rd annual May concert, presenting a 4-act program to celebrate scenes of Spring, Love, the Garden, and Home. Soprano Rebecca Drury and pianist/tenor Jon Garrett will be joined by mezzo-soprano Rebecca Hatlelid and baritone Erik Olson. Narration will tie together all musical sets, which will include classical art song in various languages, opera, and popular musical theatre." 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 May 4, 2015

Michelle Cann

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African Musical Arts presents Epic Piano Duel, a fundraiser featuring dinner, a concert, silent auction and dessert reception, on Saturday, May 9. The dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. The "Epic Piano Duel" will feature pianists Peter Henderson, St. Louis-based pianist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Michelle Cann, a dynamic piano prodigy featured on the NPR program, "From the Top." Funds raised at the benefit will fund a new project, the African Performing Arts Exchange, one of only five innovative projects who were announced as winners of the Regional Arts Commission's Innovation Fund last November. The event takes place at the Parkway UCC Auditorium, 2841 N. Ballas Road. For more information: www.africarts.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Vernacular, featuring works by Tower, Beaser, Ozgen, Allison, and Schubert on Thursday, May 7, at 7:00 PM. The performance takes place at Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org

The Maryville Symphony Orchestra presents Youthful Brilliance, a concert of music written by Schubert, Mendelssohn, and John Rutter when the composers were in the late teen and early 20s, on Sunday, May 10, at 3 p.m. The featured works are Mendelssohn's "Hebridies Overture," Rutter's "Suite for Strings," and Schubert's "Symphony No. 3." The concert takes place at the Maryville University Auditorium, 650 Maryville University Drive. For more information: maryvillesymphony.com.

Lucrecia Garcia

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, soprano Lucrecia Garcia, and an international roster of soloists in a complete concert performance of Verdi's Aida, including special lighting and video design by S. Katy Tucker. Performances are Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m., May 7 and 9. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Fanfare for the Common Man, the last of this season's Whitaker Foundation "Music You Know" programs of popular classics. The concert features music by Copland, Elgar, Bizet, Liszt, Vaughan Williams, and Charles Ives and takes place on Friday, May 8, at 8 p.m. The concert take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a Music and Cuisine Pairing Concert with the Illume Ensemble on Monday, May 4 at 7 PM. "We've cooked up another MUSIC and CUISINE PAIRING CONCERT with our friends the ILLUMINE ENSEMBLE featuring a fabulous menu of spring flavors, served up with equally tasty tunes." 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 senior recital by Jason Cohn (violin and viola) accompanied by Vera Parkin on the piano, on Tuesday, May 5 at 6 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Merry Keller

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Merry Keller: Wade in the Water, on Tuesday, May 5 at 8 PM. "Wade in the Water is a program of arias, contemporary and classical art songs, gospel, spirituals, standards, and even a little pop sung by local artist, Merry Keller. There's something for everyone, all connected by the images and the metaphor of water. Martha Shaffer will be at the piano and Merry will be joined by Susan Kissinger for two duets and several feature numbers of her own." 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 contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Saturday, May 9 at 8 PM. "Members of Alarm Will Sound perform small ensemble works with students from Music Today! (of the Community Music School of Webster University ). The students work with AWS over the year on contemporary 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 Arianna String Quartet

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Arianna String Quartet in Bold New World on Friday, May 8, at 8 PM. "Daring to boldly send the traditions of Western classical music in new directions, these three quartets continue to resonate as eternal masterpieces and achievements of the human spirit. JOSEPH HAYDN: Quartet in F minor, Op.20 No.5; BÉLA BARTK: String Quartet No. 5; LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Quartet in A minor, Op.132." The Touhill Performing Arts Center in on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.

UMSL Fine Arts and Communication presents a University Chorus concert on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 PM at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. "Join the University Chorus for this annual concert and an evening of traditional and contemporary choral music. This concert is in the Lee Theater." For more information: touhill.org.

Union Avenue Christian Church presents The Missouri Women's Chorus in So Many Angels! The Works of Gwyneth Walker on Sunday, May 10, at 3 p.m. "The concert honors the work of Dr. Gwyneth Walker, internationally acclaimed composer of music and features the world premiere of her song cycle "Gospel Songs for Women's Chorus and String Quartet." Dr. Walker will host the concert, introducing the pieces as they are presented, and be the guest of honor at a public reception following the concert." Union Avenue Christian Church is at 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: www.missouriwomenschorus.org.

Washington University's Danforth University Chamber Music Series presents Seth Carlin, fortepiano and Pablo Mahave-Veglia, cello. in concert on Monday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. The program consists of the "Grande Sonate" by Hélène Riese Liebmann, and the "Sonata No. 3," Op. 69 in A Major and "7 Variations on 'Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen'," by Beethoven. The concert takes place at the Danforth University Center, 1 Brookings Drive on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of Febuary 2, 2015

Todd Wilson

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents organist Todd Wilson in concert on Sunday, February 8, at 2:30 p.m.  "Regarded across America and around the world as one of today’s finest concert organists, Todd Wilson is head of the Organ Department at The Cleveland Institute of Music, and Director of Music and Worship at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition, he is Curator of the E.M. Skinner pipe organ at Severance Hall (home of The Cleveland Orchestra), and House Organist for the newly-restored Aeolian organ at the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio."  The Cathedral is at 4431 Lindell in the Central West End.  For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Roots, featuring works by Noon, McLoskey, Hartley, and Beethoven on Sunday, February 8, at 3:00 PM.  "Music takes inspiration from many sources and may stray far from tradition, but there is always a link to the past." The performance takes place at the Jefferson College Fine Arts Theater, 1000 Viking Drive in Hillsboro, MO.  For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org

The Five Browns
Photo: Andrew Southam

McKendree College presents a The Five Browns in concert on Wednesday, February 4, at 7:30 PM.  "Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae Brown were the first family of five siblings accepted simultaneously to New York’s Juilliard School. Whether performing individually or together in various combinations from duo to complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material, bringing a fresh energy to classical music. Their first wave of critical attention came in February 2002, when People magazine dubbed them the “Fab Five” and they were featured on “Oprah” and “60 Minutes.” Three of their CDs went to No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Album Chart. " The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL.  For more information: thehett.com.

Stéphane Denève conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with piano soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., February 7 and 8.  "Dvořák’s pastoral and exuberant Eighth Symphony shimmers like a bright dream of nature and draws its inspiration from the Bohemian folk music that Dvořák loved. Composer James MacMillan’s music combines a modern idiom with both Catholicism and Scottish nationalism. His Piano Concerto, The Mysteries of Light, attempts to revive the ancient practice of writing music based on the structure of the Rosary." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents the a cappella vocal group Cantus on Friday, February 6, at 8 p.m.  "This choral ensemble is known around the world for its trademark warmth and engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post hails the group’s sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to their music-making as “spontaneous grace.”"  The Touhill Performing Arts Center in located on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus.  For more information: touhill.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Nylönïcä Guitar Trio on Thursday, February 5, at 8 p.m.  "Nylönïcä Guitar Trio performers solos, trios, and few duets by Bellinati, Bogdanovic, Aguado, Bach, Ginastera, and more." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.   For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Synergies

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents classical the ensemble Synergies on Friday, February 6, at 8 p.m.  "Synergies makes its Tavern debut with a program of music by Couperin, Debussy, and Faure. Synergies is Jennifer Adams-flute, Alison Rolf-violin, Christine Banks-viola, Marcia Mann-cello, and featured guest pianists David Erwin and Diana Umali. On the program are Quatrieme Concert by Francois Couperin, Syrinx by Claude Debussy and Piano Quartet, No. 1 by Gabriel Faure."  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 Duo Noire guitar duo on Saturday, February 7, at 6 p.m.  "Duo Noire performs “Beyond Ferguson” composed by Thomas Flippin. Duo Noire is comprised of classical guitarists Thomas Flippin and Christopher Mallett. Formed while both were attending the Yale School of Music as the first African American guitarists in the university’s history, Duo Noire has been hailed as a “virtuosic pair” and has gone on to perform across the U.S. at prestigious venues such as the Norfolk Music Festival, the 92nd Street Y, the Times Center, and for the St. Louis Guitar Society as Artists-in-Residence. “‘Beyond Ferguson’ does not offer any agenda, blame, or solution to the issues in Ferguson. Rather, it aims to document many of the sentiments that have arisen but are hard to express in words. As such, the piece begins with a melody from Michael Brown’s own music, to give him a chance to speak directly. And the piece comes to an inconclusive end, waiting to be resolved.” – Thomas Flippin."  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 tenor Nathan Ruggles, mezzo Stephanie Ruggles, and pianist Robert Valentine in a voice recital titled "Tell Me the Truth About Love" on Saturday, February 7, at 8 p.m.  "Stephanie and Nathan will perform songs by Bizet, Britten, Bernstein, Wagner, Sondheim and more!" The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.   For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Eliot Quartet

Washington University presents the Eliot Quartet in a program of piano trios by Beethoven, Bruch, and Mendelssohn on Friday, February 6, at 8 p.m. "Violin and cello converse in low, hushed tones. The piano responds gently, mournfully, but grows increasingly emphatic. Brief pauses become tense outbursts and wrenching stops. Pianist Carl Czerny, a student of Ludwig van Beethoven, once wrote that his teacher’s Piano Trio in D major, opus 70, no. 1 (1808), reminded him of the ghost of Hamlet’s father. He was not far wrong. There is evidence that Beethoven may have intended the piece for an opera based on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”"  The performance takes place in Holmes Lounge on the Washington University campus.  For more information: news.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 12, 2015

The Bach Society at Powell Hall

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a Young Artist Recital featuring 2013-2014 Young Artists and pianist Sandra Geary on Sunday, January 18, at 4 PM at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road. "The 2014-2015 Young Artists are joined by pianist Sandra Geary for an afternoon featuring Bach solo arias and duets, as well as personal favorites from operatic and recital repertoire. Enjoy hearing soprano Mary Beth Freitag, mezzo soprano Lori Hoffman, tenor Anthony Heinemann and bass Ravi Raghuram on their path to careers as soloists. Presented jointly with the music department of Ladue Chapel. Free admission." For more information: www.bachsociety.org

Chamber Project St. Louis presents an open rehearsal and conversation with award-winning composer Lansing McLoskey on Thursday, January 15, at 6 p.m. "CPSTL will be putting the finishing touches on his work Quartettrope for their performance the following evening at the Chapel. Don't miss this unique opportunity to get inside the creative process!" The vent takes place at the Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Roots, featuring works by Noon, McLoskey, Hartley, and Beethoven on Friday, January 16, at 8:00 PM. "Music takes inspiration from many sources and may stray far from tradition, but there is always a link to the past." The performance takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

The New Music Circle presents an open rehearsal of "Les Moutons de Panurge" by Frederic Rzewski for any number of musicians and audience participation on Saturday, January 17, at noon. Cellist and NMC board member Tracy Andeotti will lead the rehearsal, which takes place place at The Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Johanna Ballou
Photo: Von McKnelly

New Music Circle presents pianist Johanna Ballou and soprano Stella Markou in concert on Saturday, January 17, at 8 PM. "Johanna Ballou is a young American pianist who has been engaging American and European audiences with her magnetic stage presence and dynamic interpretations. Ballou’s January concert will include selections that employ a variety of modern classical approaches." The event takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Symphony’s Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, January 15, at 7:30 PM. "What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment. January's Sips and Symphonies brings musicologist Alex Stefaniak back to the Tavern for an entertaining and informative discussion of Mozart's Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter."" 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.

Richard Goode
Photo: Steve Riskind

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with pianist Richard Goode Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., January 17 and 18. The program features Lutoslawski's "Dance Preludes," Michael Tippet's "Fantasia concertante on a Theme of Corelli," and Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 17" and "Symphony No. 41" ("Jupiter"). "Exuberant and introspective, charming and complicated, Mozart’s final symphony, " Jupiter," foreshadows the work of Beethoven and sums up what had happened in symphonic music up to that point. Hailed for music-making of tremendous emotional power, Richard Goode joins the orchestra for Mozart’s sublime Piano Concerto No. 17. " 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 a classical open stage night on Monday, January 12, 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 Karp Family Quartet in a program of music by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Dvorak on Saturday, January 17, at 2 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 soprano Christine Johnson and pianist Jon Garrett in an all-request show on Saturday, January 17, 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 Tavern of Fine Arts presents saxophonist Jessica Knopf and pianist Diana Umali in dance-inspired program featuring music by Piazzolla, Whitney, Schulhoff, Milhaud, and Francaix on Saturday, January 17, 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 September 15, 2014

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The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Passion, featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Kenji Bunch and Kevin Puts on Tuesday, September 18, at 7:00 PM. “Exploring the passion that makes the heart sing and that keeps us going through thick and thin, this program features works by Bach, Bunch, Puts, and Beethoven for violin, cello, clarinet and marimba.” 88.1 KDHX senior performing arts critic Chuck Lavazzi will be the narrator for Bunch's "Sonnet 128." The performance takes place at The Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org

The St. Louis Symphony celebrates "Talk Like a Pirate Day" with a showing of the film Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., September 19-21. Richard Kaufman conductions the orchestra and chorus in a live performance of the score to accompany the movie. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony’s Young Friends of the Symphony presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, September 18, 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, symphony keyboardist Peter Henderson will discuss Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5. 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.

Alexander Schutt

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Alexander Schutt performing the six Bach Cello Suites on Tuesday, September 17, at 7:30 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.

Third Baptist Church presents an organ concert by David Harrison of Irvington United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana. on Friday, September 19, 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

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 8, 2014

Chuck Lavazzi

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Passion, featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Kenji Bunch and Kevin Puts on Tuesday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. “Exploring the passion that makes the heart sing and that keeps us going through thick and thin, this program features works by Bach, Bunch, Puts, and Beethoven for violin, cello, clarinet and marimba.” 88.1 KDHX senior performing arts critic Chuck Lavazzi will be the narrator for Bunch's "Sonnet 128." The performance takes place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org

The St. Louis Symphony, conducted by David Robertson, presents a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, on Art Hill in Forest Park celebrating the orchestra's 135th anniversary season. "The evening performance features classical favorites and highlights from the 2014-15 season capped off with a fireworks spectacular at the base of Art Hill. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and invite your family and friends to one of St. Louis' favorite musical events of the year!" For more information: stlsymphony.org.

yefimbronfman.com

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with piano soloist Yefim Bronfman in Brahms' "Piano Concerto No. 1," violin soloist Erin Schreiber in Vaughan Williams's "The Lark Ascending," and Nielsen's "Symphony No. 4" Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13, at 8 p.m. "David Robertson opens the season welcoming back Yefim Bronfman for Brahms' dramatic Piano Concerto No. 1. Composed during World War I, you'll hear "battle" between two sets of timpani in Nielsen's Symphony No. 4, featuring new Principal Timpanist Shannon Wood. In his notes for the symphony, Nielsen refers to 'that which is inextinguishable' as 'the elemental will to live.' This production features video and lighting elements by S. Katy Tucker, a renowned artist known for her design work at Carnegie Hall, the San Francisco Opera, Sydney Symphony and more." The concerts, which open the orchestra's 135th season, take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Thumbscrew

The New Music Circle presents the trio Thumbscrew on Friday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. "Under the title Thumbscrew, three foremost voices of NYC's new jazz scene have come together to explore the crossroads of improvisation and composition. Comprised of Mary Halvorson (guitar), Michael Formanek (bass), and Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Thumbscrew functions as a vehicle to navigate both the modal complexities of jazz composition as well as the challenges of collective spontaneity. Thumbscrew's sound originates from the interconnecting bonds its members have forged, playing in many and various formats over the years, such as composer/cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum's large groups as well as Anthony Braxton's experimental/compositional ensembles. Their 2014 self-titled release on Cunieform Records was described as “exploring open, undulating grooves through a frequent tightening and loosening of their interplay along serpentine lines” by Dusted Magazine." The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a classical open stage night on Monday, September 8, 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 Timothy Jansen, piano, in a concert of sonatas by Beethoven, Prokofiev, and Liszt on Saturday, September 13, 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.

Third Baptist Church presents an organ concert by Jeff White, Minister of Music at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, on Friday, September 12, 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