St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 22, 2016

The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra in an all-Tchaikovsky program on Sunday at 8 p.m., February 28, at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. "Founded in 1945 on the heels of postwar Polish independence, The Polish Baltic Philharmonic is the largest music institution in northern Poland. The orchestra is visited not only by local music-lovers but by cosmopolitan Polish and international patrons alike. This is the place for those who enjoy art of the highest quality. The Philharmonic organizes symphonic concerts, recitals, and chamber music soirées performed by the most prominent Polish musicians as well as by many world-famous artists." For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, February 28, at 3 PM. The program features Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite along with music by Antonio Vivaldi, Robert Chamberlin, George Oldroyd, Denis Bédard and Richard Purvis. The featured performers are Mark Overton, alto saxophone; Robert Chamberlin, organ; and Jan Chamberlin, glockenspiel. Chiann-yi Yawitz will perform Serge Prokofiev's Piano Sonata no. 6. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The St. Louis Children's Choirs present a Family and Friends Concert on Saturday, February 27, at 2 and 7 p.m. "Experience the joy of young voices united in song! This concert will feature multi-cultural selections in a variety of styles, traditions and languages and is part of the American Arts Experience-St. Louis. With performances by the Children's Choir 1A, Chorale 2A/2UC, Choristers, and Chamber Singers.' The performances take place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: slccsing.org.

Hans Graf conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus along with soloists Laurel Dantas, soprano; Debby Lennon, mezzo-soprano; DeWayne Trainer, tenor; and actress Maureen Thomas Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. February 27 and 28. The program is part of the Symphony's four-week Shakespeare Festival. "Journey to the land of forbidden love with Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Hans Graf leads the enchanting incidental music to Shakespeare's beloved play, with actress Maureen Thomas portraying vignettes from the drama on the Powell Hall stage. Mendelssohn's fairytale music is paired with Fauré's incidental music, Shylock, taking its genesis from The Merchant of Venice and providing moments of great beauty, signature of the beloved French composer. " Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Peter Henderson

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Sheldon Classics: The Fench Connection on Wednesday, February 24, at 8 PM. "Pianist Peter Henderson is joined by St. Louis Symphony principals Jelena Dirks, oboe, and Andrew Cuneo, bassoon, for "French Connection," featuring Poulenc's Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano and Faure's Piano Trio, Op. 120. Henderson will also perform solo piano works by Ravel." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Songs Without Words, a concert of solo saxophone works by Christopher Braig on Wednesday, February 24, at 8 p.m. "Saxophonist Christopher Braig presents a solo recital on tenor and soprano saxophones titled "Songs Without Words" featuring works by Pucinni, Ellington, and Marley. Christopher Braig is an active performer and jazz instructor and is a member of the Webster University Jazz faculty." 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 Persied String Quartet in Czech Masters on Saturday, February 27, at 8 p.m. "What comes to mind when you think of Czech music? Perhaps simple folk tunes of the rural countryside, or the unusual harmonies and dark timbres of folk instruments? Or is it the lively dances and hopping rhythms? On February 27th we celebrate the works of two celebrated Czech composers: Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak. Working around the same time, they helped create a new awakening of Czech Nationalism through music. We know you'll enjoy the rousing Polkas, sad Dumky, and soaring lyrical Romances as we perform Smetana's String Quartet No. 1, 'From My Life', and Dvorak's String Quartet No. 10, op. 51." 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 September 21, 2015

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus
Photo: William Bascomb

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Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, September 27, at 3 PM. Lee Demertzis and Steven Cheng playing Robert Schumann's Sonata for Violin and Piano in A minor and the Sonatensatz by Johannes Brahms. And on the same program, tenor Jimmy Stevens will be singing Schumann's Liederkreis Op. 39, nos. 1-6, an aria from Mozart's Ascanio in Alba, and a set of French songs including Gabriel Fauré's Mandoline, Ernest Chausson's Serenade italienne and Henri Duparc's Chanson triste. Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert One: Sing a New Song on Sunday, September 27, at 3 p.m. "Our jubilee season begins with double choir celebrations by Renaissance composer Gabriele Fattorini and Johannes Brahms, together with Aaron Copland's masterpiece, In the Beginning. We hail our own beginnings with Music & Ceremonies, commissioned from our founder Ronald Arnatt, and a contribution by our new Composer-in-Residence, Melissa Dunphy. " The concert takes place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller in concert on September, November 26, at 8 PM. "Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller has made more than 500 appearances in Europe, Asia, South and North America. In 2010 he was awarded First Prize in the GFA International Guitar Competition, with asubsequent fifty-concert world tour. This will be his St. Louis debut!” The performance takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: www.guitarstlouis.net

Karita Mattila

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with soloists Karita Mattila, soprano; Daniel Lee, cello; and Beth Guterman Chu, viola, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., September 25 and 26. "David Robertson leads an epic program devoted to bold musical stories depicted by Richard Strauss. Revel in the musical adventures of Don Quixote, filled with dreams of knightly glory, featuring Principal Cellist Daniel Lee. Finnish lyric soprano Karita Mattila, recognized for the beauty and versatility of her voice, as for her extraordinary stage ability, performs Strauss' final scene from Capriccio. Audiences will be mesmerized by some of literature's greatest works set to music." 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 The Bella Corda Guitar Ensemble in concert on Friday, September 25 at 6 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 April 6, 2015

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Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, April 12, at 3 PM. The program features music for violin, clarinet, bassoon, cello, and piano by Max Reger, Francis Poulenc, and Dimitri Shostakovich. Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The St. Louis Brass Band

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts presents the St. Louis Brass Band on Sunday, April 12, at 5 p.m. The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL. For more information: thehett.com.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Five: Kodaly and Vaughan Williams on Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m. The concert takes place at St. Mary of Victories Catholic Church, 744 South 3rd Street, downtown. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with violinist Rebecca Boyer Hall and cellist Bjorn Ranheim in a program of Classical Favorites on Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. "Hear the orchestra explore themes of music and drama with selections from Grieg's Peer Gynt and Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, famously featured in Disney's Fantasia! Don't miss the special opportunity to hear the STL Symphony live at Lindenwood!" The concerts take place at in the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood University campus in St. Charles. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Beth Guterman Chu

Hannu Lintu conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with violinist Jonathan Chu and violist Beth Guterman Chu on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., April 10 and 11. The program features Mozart's Sinfonia concertante, K. 364 and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 8. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Sheldon Classics: Central and South America on Wednesday, April 8, at 8 PM. “Symphony concertmaster David Halen and guitarist Kirk Hanser lead the way in a colorful program from Central and South America. Featured will be music by Mexican composers Carlos Chavez and Silvestre Revueltas, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, Argentinian composer Albert Ginastera and tangos by Astor Piazzolla.” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Kristi Benedick, flute and Diana Umali, piano on Friday, April 10, 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 February 9, 2014

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Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, February 15, at 3 PM. "The program will feature: Baroque music by Georg Philipp Telemann, Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, Heinrich Biber and Marco Uccellini played on Baroque instruments by Lorraine Glass-Harris and Darrel Berg, violins; James Harris, flute; and Alan Rosenkoetter, guitar. Songs from Broadway musicals and other show tunes performed by Madeline Black, soprano, and Patti Brumleve, piano." Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org

Amy Camie

The Ethical Society presents a Faces of Love Concert: Celebration of the Divine Feminine on Saturday, February 14, at 8 p.m. "The 18th Annual Faces Of Love Concert features diverse and extraordinary female musicians and singers whose performances are both spiritual and contemporary arousing our deepest emotions and instincts. Aska Kaneko, an internationally known Japanese violinist/composer and member of the group Gaia Cuatro is teaming up with Jasnam Daya Singh (Weber Iago), a Brazilian pianist and composer as the featured artists. Joining them are Amy Camie, professional harpist and award winning recording artist and Ruth Latchison Nichols recognized as one of the leading Gospel singers in the region. All of these spectacular artists share a commitment to internal harmony and universal peace through the vehicle of music ranging from classical to jazz, new age to gospel and contemporary forms of sacred music." The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Four: Milhaud and Purcell on Sunday, February 15, at 3 p.m. “Quintessentialy French motets and chansons arranged by Darius Milhaud offer a striking contrast with the brooding, even searing, anthems of Henry Purcell, written for Westminster Abbey immediately prior to the ‘Glorious Revolution’ of 1688.” The concert takes place at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org

Kevin McBeth

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Lift Every Voice: A Black History Month Celebration on Friday, February 13, at 7:30 PM. “This annual concert celebrates African-American cultures and traditions that have influenced the history of St. Louis, as well as cities around the world. Join conductor Kevin McBeth and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON chorus to commemorate influential leaders who helped shape history.” The concert takes place at Powell 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, February 9, 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 an evening of chamber music by Haydn, Kodály, and Shostakovich with St. Louis Symphony musicians Ann Fink (violin), Jennifer Yamamoto (violin), Eva Stern (viola), Davin Rubicz (cello), and Patti Wolf (piano) on Tuesday, February 10, 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 a special Valentine's "Senses in Harmony" wine pairing recital with Rebecca Drury, soprano; Diana Umali, piano; Jon Garrett, tenor and piano; and Melissa Peterson, sopran on Saturday, February 14, at 8 p.m. "Classical, opera, art song, musical theatre...all lighthearted and fun. This program is guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter on "heart day." Songs and sets will be paired with like-minded wines perfect for the occasion. we'll have something for everyone - a "singles" date alternative, or girls' night out, and/or something for sweethearts - fun for all." 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 a senior piano recital by Jonathan Heaney on Friday, February 13, at 2 p.m. The program features music by Brahms. The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: news.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 19, 2015

Megan Stout and Frances Tietov
stlsymphony.org

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, January 25, at 3 PM. "A selection of pieces for solo harp performed by Frances Tietov, former principal harpist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Sergei Rachmaninoff, Trio No. 2 for Violin, Cello and Piano, performed by Siroth Charnond, violin; James Blinn, cello; and Chiann-yi Yawitz, piano." Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The Missouri Chamber Music Festival presents "Pro Jam for the ProAm" Tuesday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m. " The Missouri Chamber Music Festival is inviting YOU to "Pro-Jam for the ProAm", a lively, fun party supporting the MOCM ProAm Intensive Workshop. Hear groups from last year's workshop, enjoy food, wine, beer and even join in the fun yourself as we open the floor for a Chamber Music Jam Session at the Tavern of Fine Arts! Some of your favorite MOCM Artists and ProAm faculty will be on hand to read and jam! Scott Andrews, Nina Ferrigno, Felicia Foland, Angie Smart, Chris Tantillo and Thomas Jostlein will join in the fun." 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

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus along with Kate Reimann, soprano; Johanna Nordhorn, mezzo-soprano; Keith Boyer, tenor; and Jeffrey Heyl, bass-baritone in an all-Beethoven program featuring the "Mass in C Major" and "Symhony No. 8" Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., January 23 and 24. "This all-Beethoven program featuring the composer’s lighthearted Symphony No. 8, the STL Symphony Trombones performing a rare work for four trombones as well as the first subscription performances of Beethoven’s glorious Mass in C with the St. Louis Symphony and Chorus." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in "The Science of Sound and the Art of Noise" Sunday at 3 p.m., January 25. "Maestro Steven Jarvi and a special guest will lead demonstrations of sound waves and sound creation in the various instruments of the orchestra. Featured works include Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Beethoven’s The Creatures of Prometheus Overture, selections from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and more!" The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Angel Romero
angelromero.com

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents guitarist Angel Romero on Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 PM. “Angel Romero has appeared as soloist with such leading orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. As conductor, he has led numerous orchestras worldwide including the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and the Royal Philharmonic, among others. Mr. Romero, who is hailed for his superior artistry as the maestro of Spanish guitar and of Romero Guitar Quartet fame, will be appearing as our guest soloist in our first concert of the New Year.” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents musicians of the Saint Louis Symphony perform the music of J.S. Bach on Saturday, January 24, at 4 p.m. "In preparation for their upcoming solos with the Symphony on January 30 & 31, Asako Kuboki and Jelena Dirks run through Concerto in D Minor for Violin and Oboe and Andrea Kaplan runs through Sinfonia from Cantata BWV 209. Peter Henderson accompanies them on the piano. Henderson will also perform a selection of solo piano pieces by Bach." 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 Mascagni's "L'Amico Fritz" Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, January 23 and 25. "A woman, a man, and a bet between friends. What will it take for Suzel and Fritz to admit they love each other?" Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. The opera is sung in Italian with project English supertitles. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 22, 2014

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The Artist Presentation Society presents violinist Qian Yin and pianist Po-Chuan Chiang on Sunday, September 28, at 3:00 p.m. in a program of music by Handel, Chausson, Bartok, and Franck. The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: www.apsmusic.org.

Alice Conway

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, September 28, at 3 PM. 'Alice Conway, mezzo-soprano and Nancy Mayo, piano, performing "Frauen Liebe und Leben" by Robert Schumann; and two Italian arias: "Di tanti palpiti" from Gioachino Rossini's "Tancredi"; and "All'afflitto è dolce il pianto" from Gaetano Donizetti's "Robert Devereux". James Nacy and Daniel Henderson, cellos, performing Jean Barriere, "Sonata no. 10 in G major for Two Cellos"; David Popper, "Suite for Two Cellos," Op. 16; and Paul Tortelier, "Siamois".' Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org

The Kranzberg Arts Center presents The Matthew Munses Quartet on Monday, September 22, at 7:30 p.m. "Drawing upon a breadth of musical styles, the Matthew Muneses Quintet seeks to express the collective voice of its members. Presenting primarily original music, this group is dedicated to reaching new audiences through its eclectic blend of jazz, rock, classical and multi-cultural folkloric musics." The Kranzberg Center is at the corner of Grand and Olive in Grand Center. For more information: www.matthewmunesesmusic.com.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis, in collaboration with a coalition of area arts and community organizations, presents #WithNormandy: A Concert for Peace and Unity, a free ninety-minute program focusing on spirituals and American songs, on Sunday, September 28, at 4:30 p.m. “A powerhouse collection of singers who believe that the performing arts can play an important role in cultivating an environment of hope and support for the young people in north St. Louis County, including jazz artists, blues musicians, choirs, cabaret singers, and classically trained musicians.” Performers include opera singers Denyce Graves and Christine Brewer; nationally acclaimed St. Louis performers Derrell Acon, The Gene Dobbs Bradford Blues Experience, Julia Bullock, Duane Foster, Erika Johnson, and Jermaine Smith; as well as The Normandy High School Choir, the Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Men’s Choir, and the Shalom Church. The concert takes place at Normandy High School’s Viking Hall 6701 St Charles Rock Rd. For more information: experienceopera.org/withnormandy.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents members of the St. Louis Symphony in a program of chamber music by Vaughan Williams, Ravel, and Brahms, on Friday, September 26, at 7:30 p.m and again on Sunday, September 28, at 7 p.m. “Cathedral Concerts continues it's series of FREE concerts that brings the great music to you. The featured players in each concert are St. Louis Symphony members Kristin Ahlstrom, violin and Bjorn Ranheim, cello, joined by Matthew Mazzoni, piano and Scott Kennebeck, tenor.” The performance takes place at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Creve Coeur on Friday and at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in the Shaw Neighborhood of the City of St. Louis on Sunday. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org

Douglas Neidt

The St. Louis Guitar Society's Great Artist Guitar Series presents Douglas Niedt on Saturday, September 27, at 8 p.m. "A St. Louis favorite son, Douglas gained instant fame at age seventeen upon winning the Chet Atkins International Guitar Competition among 300 applicants. He has studied at the Segovia Master Classes, the Juilliard School and with Christopher Parkening, Narcisco Yepes & Jorge Morel. Recognized for his excellence in teaching, he is head of the guitar program at the Conservatory of Music and Dance, University of Missouri at Kansas City. His programming includes music of Latin America, as well as American popular composers such as Duke Ellington, Richard Rodgers, and Dave Brubeck." The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and oboe soloist Cally Banham in Sibelius's "Swan of Tuonela," John Adams's "My Father Knew Charles Ives," and Prokofiev's "Symphony No. 5" Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., September 27 and 28. "The STL Symphony is known for its outstanding performance of Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony garnering a Grammy® Award for their recording of the popular work in 1985. Prokofiev's work dazzles with brilliant percussion and majestic woodwinds while one of John Adams' pieces is brought to life with the orchestra performing the autobiographical and vibrant piece, My Father Knew Charles Ives." 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 cellists James Nacy and Daniel Henderson on Friday, September 26, at 8 p.m. "Cellists James Nacy and Daniel Henderson perform a program of duos by cellists who were composers. Or . . . is that composers who were cellists? In any case, they are playing music of Barriere, Boccherini, Offenbach, Popper, Klengel and Tortelier." 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 pianist Jon Garrett on Saturday, September 28, 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 Scott Montgomery, Director of Music Ministries at Holy Cross Church, Champaign, Illinois on Friday, September 26, 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

Winter Opera presents its Winter Fall Opera Gala on Friday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. "Winter Opera's top artists will be there to perform while you enjoy an amazing dinner at Dominic's Trattoria in Clayton. Help us celebrate the opening of our Eighth Season in style! Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m. The ticket prices includes a four-course dinner, wine and entertainment." The event takes place at Dominic's Trattoria, 200 South Brentwood in Clayton. For more information: www.winteroperastl.org

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 20, 2014

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a Young Artist Recital featuring 2013-2014 Young Artists and pianist Sandra Geary on Sunday, January 26, at 4 PM at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place.  "The 2013-2014 Young Artists are joined by pianist Sandra Geary for an afternoon of Bach solo arias and duets in addition to personal favorites from operatic and recital repertoire. Enjoy hearing soprano Mary Beth Freitag, mezzo soprano Laura Beth Codispoti, tenor Jake Tackett, and bass Ravi Raghuram on their path to careers as soloists."  For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music Concert on Sunday, January 26, at 3 PM.  The concert features music by Rachmaninoff, Schumann, and Brahms.  Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood.  For more information: fomcstl.org.

Rich O'Donnell

HEARding Cats Collective presents Hear What You Don't See, featuring HCC's artistic directors Rich O'Donnell and Doc Mabuse, on Friday, January 24, at 7:30 PM.  "Long time St. Louis percussion and improvising musician Rich O'Donnell will join master syntheist Doc Mabuse for a continuation of their explorations into "theaters of senses." O'Donnell will play his self-invented "SeeSaw percussion," while Mabuse joins him on analog synthesizer and guitar."  The performance takes place at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar.  For more information: www.heardingcatscollective.org.

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents Festival of Four in concert on Saturday, January 25, at 8 PM.  "This group is beloved both here and around the world for their joyful playing of folk and traditional music of many countries, performed on a variety of flutes and fretted instruments. Last here in 2009, the Festival of Four returns to St. Louis for a fifth time."  The performance takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road.  For more information: www.guitarstlouis.net.

Brett Dean

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents the third in a series of "Beethoven Festival" concerts, as David Robertson conducts the orchestra and viola soloist Brett Dean in Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 3 ("Eroica)" along with Dean’s "Viola Concerto" and "Testament."  Performances take place on Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, January 24 and 25, at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  "Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 pioneered a bold new direction as he expanded the symphonic form into a dramatic masterpiece unfolding with energy and vigor. Astounding audiences since its debut, this work continues to awe listeners with its rhythmic power. Australian violist Brett Dean makes his STL Symphony debut performing his Viola Concerto, a work full of compelling storytelling."  Following the Friday performance, the symphony presents "Ask David," an informal Q&A with David Robertson on the Orchestra level of the Powell Hall.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a Pulitzer Series Concert on Wednesday, January 22, at 7:30 PM.  David Robertson will conduct members of the St. Louis Symphony in the US premiere of John Cage’s "Three Pieces for Five Orchestras" from 1981.  The performance takes place at the Pultzer Center for the Arts, 3716 Washington.  For more information: stlsymphony.org

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a town hall meeting to announce its 2014/2015 season on Thursday, January 23, at 6 PM on the state at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  "Join us for a town hall style meeting on the stage of Powell Hall and be the first to learn about STL Symphony concerts planned for the 2014/2015 season. Music Director David Robertson and STL Symphony President & CEO Fred Bronstein will unveil an exciting season and take questions from the audience. Attendees will be treated to a very special five minute performance by STL Symphony first violinist Angie Smart and Circus Flora’s Clowns on Call Conductor Claire Wedemeyer."  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Illumine Ensemble on Wednesday, January 22 at 7:30 PM.  "Good food and good music-- two of your favorite things collide! The Illumine Ensemble celebrates St Louis's 250th birthday by shedding a little light on St Louis's culinary history. Enjoy a tasting menu of contemporary and historical foods native to St. Louis while you learn the story behind each of them. Along the way, the Illumine Ensemble pairs each item served with a musical work for a wide-ranging performance including the works of Joplin, Gershwin, Rossini, Mozart, and the one and only Chuck Berry. Did we mention gooey butter cake?"  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 Debby Lennon (soprano), Ken Kulosa (cello), and  Alla Voskoboynikova (piano) in an evening of Russian music on Thuersday, January 22 at 7:30 PM.  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 Wires on Saturday, January 25 at 8 PM.  "The Wires are an alternative exploration in string sound. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, The Wires compose and perform original music for violin and cello. Inspired by a myriad of genres and eclectic sounds, The Wires are not your typical strings group. The project encompasses a blend of wide-ranging styles, from tango to gypsy, jazz to rock and infused with the precision of classical form. Created, composed and performed by Laurel Morgan (violin) and Sascha Groschang (cello)."  The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.  For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.