St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 24, 2014

Jitro

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents a holiday concert with Jitro, the Czech Girls Choir, on Monday, November 24, at 8 PM.  "Jitro, meaning “daybreak” in Czech, and based in Hradec Kralove, a town in the Czech Republic, is an organization of 500 girls in seven preparatory ensembles, of which only the best 25-50 qualify to tour. For 35 years they have been admired all over the world for their tone, intonation, and rich blend of sound and energetic vitality. Jitro performs in over 100 concerts annually in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and are committed to inspiring audiences with music performed at the highest level. Jitro has become a new favorite of St. Louis audiences, making their third appearance at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis but their first holiday performance."  The Cathedral is at 4431 Lindell in the Central West End.  For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

The Confluence Chamber Orchestra presents a free Holiday Concert on Saturday, November 29, at noon at the Old Courthouse at 4th and Market on the riverfront. " Under the direction of William Bauer, the 21-piece orchestra’s mission is to encourage lifetime enjoyment of playing string instruments and sharing it with others. The group’s players range in age from 18 to 94."  For more information: confluencechamberorchestra.org.

The 442s

The Kranzberg Arts Center presents The 442s on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:00 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."  The Kranzberg Center is at the corner of Grand and Olive in Grand Center.  For more information: www.the442s.com.

David Robertson

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with Kirill Gerstein, piano; bassoonists Andrew Cuneo, Andrew Gott, and Felicia Foland; and Gregg Henegar, contrabassonon; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., November 28-30.  "Since its debut in the Roaring Twenties, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has thrilled audiences with its reflection of the excitement and energy of New York City.  Kirill Gerstein and the STL Symphony will take you on a ride from its lively opening through the romantic dance of the work’s main theme.  With additional toe-tapping music from Bernstein, David Robertson conducts this American program enhanced by innovative lighting projection by renowned artist S. Katy Tucker. This production features video and lighting elements by S. Katy Tucker, a reknowned artist known for her design work at Carnegie Hall, the San Francisco Opera, Sydney Symphony and more." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Society for Creative Survival presents Triple Threat, a concert by The Vernacular String Quartet, Nexus, and Creative Delusions, on Tuesday, November 25, at 7:30 p.m.. The performances takes place at  Tavern of Fine Arts, 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 29, 2014

Hans Leitner

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents an organ concert by Hans Leitner on Sunday, October 5, at 2:30 p.m.  "World renowned organist, composer and teacher Hans Leitner makes his St. Louis debut performing on the 7,621 pipes of the Great Cathedral Organ at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Since the fall of 2003 he has served as organist and cathedral vicar at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich. At the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich he had from 2003 to 2011 held a lectureship in liturgy and church music practice. Prior to this appointment he was organist of the cathedral and Vicar to the High St. Stephan Cathedral Passau, where he also acted as an organ expert of the diocese of Passau."  The Cathedral is at 4431 Lindell in the Central West End.  For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

McKendree College presents soprano Christine Brewer with Craig Terry and Hugh Russell on Sunday, October 5, at 3 PM.  " The superstar soprano returns to her hometown for a special recital with pianist Craig Terry of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Canadian baritone Hugh Russell. Named “one of the top 20 sopranos of all time” by BBC Music, the Grammy Award-winning recording artist is renowned for her soaring range, boundless power and control, and vibrant personality."  The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL.  For more information: thehett.com.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents members of the St. Louis Symphony in a program of chamber music by Vaughan Williams, Ravel, and Brahms, on Sunday, October 3, 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. Peter Catholic Church in Kirkwood.  For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org

Markus Stenz conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, along with soloists Carolyn Sampson, soprano, and Patrick Carfizzi, bass-baritone, in Brahms's "German Requiem" and "Four Preludes and Serious Songs" (arranged by Detlev Glanert) Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., October 4 and 5.  "With its German text and emphasis on consoling the living, Brahms’ glorious "Ein deutsches Requiem" is partnered with Glanert’s stylistic interpretation of Brahms’ songs with his overlaying piece, Four Preludes and Serious Songs.  This concert of Brahms’ choral works promises to be uplifting." 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 Joo Kim (violin), and James Czyzewski (cello), with Vera Parkin on piano on Monday, September 29, at 6:30 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

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Jay Chacon, baritone, with Jon Garrett, piano on Friday, October 3, at 8 PM.  "Jay and Jon have brought five different and unique programs to Tavern of Fine Arts over the last year. They have decided to do one last program together before Jay takes off to NYC. Bringing together a selection from each of the previous programs, it will be a night of great music, wonderful memories, and a lot of fun. German lieder and Wagner from Bach to Berg: A Dietrich Fischer Dieskau Tribute, songs from Way Off Broadway, Les Bestiaire by Poulenc from Love, Loss, and Animals, works from Jake Heggie: American Composer, traditional Hispanic songs from Música Hispánica. Also featured will be music by Timothy Jansen from his original composition OperaAntics! with Jansen at the piano." 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 Dr. Joerg Abbing of the Hochschule für Musik Saar, Saarbrücken, Germany on Friday, October 3, 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 April 28, 2014

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St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents The Alleluia Ringers on Friday, May 2, at 8 PM at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. “The Alleluia Ringers, just one of Concordia University's fine musical groups, is comprised of 14 undergraduate students who ring 6 octaves (73 bells) and 6 1/2 octaves of handchimes (79). The group is chosen by audition each fall. This is the 27th year under the direction of Dr. John Behnke.” The performance takes place at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

McKendree College presents the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra on Sunday, May 4, at 3 PM. "Nearly 100 of the region's finest young musicians, ages 12 to 22, represent 35 schools throughout greater St. Louis and beyond. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra has had a significant impact on the region's student musicians for the past 41 years." The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL. For more information: thehett.com.

The Missouri Women's Chorus presents Romantic Women, a concert exploring the depth of music written for women's voices by the masters of the Romantic period, on Sunday, May 4, at 3 PM. " Selections will include the Johannes Brahms "Ave Maria" which he wrote for his Hamburg Frauenchor, Verdi's "Laudi alla Vergine Maria," which has been described as one of the "most beautiful a cappella pieces ever composed for women," a surprisingly modern series of six choruses by Sergei Rachmaninoff, and other gorgeous works composed for women's choruses. Come experience the beautiful music that inspired major composers of the 19th century!" The concert takes place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union in the Central West End. For more information: www.missouriwomenschorus.org.

The St. Louis Art Museum presents Metropolitan Opera Live at SLAM: Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte on Saturday, May 3, at 11:45 AM. 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.

Carlos Izcaray

Carlos Izcaray conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Orff's Carmina Burana and Steve Reich's The Four Sections Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, May 1-4, at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. “Often found in pop culture, Orff's riveting masterpiece is best known for its driving rhythms, evocative lyrics and the spellbinding “O Fortuna.” Experience Carmina burana live with the STL Symphony and Chorus. It's guaranteed to give you goosebumps.” For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony presents a program featuring Jooyeon Kong and Melody Lee, violins; Christian Tantillo, viola; and Elizabeth Chung, cello on Thursday May 1, at noon as part of the Symphony in Your College series. The performance takes place at Whelpley Auditorium at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, 4588 Parkview Place. For more information: stlsymphony.org/symphony_college.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents violinist Fiona Brickey in a program of music by Bach, Bruch and Beethoven on Wednesday, April 30, 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.

Christine Johnson

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents soprano Christine Johnson on Thursday and Saturday, May 1 and 3, 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 soprano Rebecca Dellegrazio and pianist Diana Umali on Friday, May 2, at 8 PM. " Soprano Rebecca Dellegrazio and pianist Diana Umali return to Tavern of Fine Arts on Friday, May 2 at 8 PM to present scenes of SPRING, Scenes of LOVE, Scenes from the GARDEN, and Scenes of HOME. They will be joined by soprano Melissa Peterson, tenor Jon Garrett, and narrators Rick & Karen Zelle. Artist Brian Anderson will be drawing live during the concert. His finished drawings will be raffled off at the conclusion of the concert." 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 Nicholas Mourlam of the University of Notre-Dame on Friday, May 2, 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.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of the music of Brahms, Osborne, and Sibelius on Sunday, May 4, at 2:3o 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 December 2, 2013

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The Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center presents a Quiet Music concert on featuring new electronic compositions by Mark Sarich, Greg Farough, Nathan Cook, on Saturday, December 7, at 8 PM.  The concert takes place in the Holmes Lounge at Washington University.  For more information: www.lemp-arts.org.

The Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center presents The Orchestrating Diversity Urban Youth Orchestra in a concert of music by Wagner, Corelli, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky, on Sunday, December 8, at 3 PM.  “The Quiet Music series seeks to bring to the St. Louis artistic landscape these most recent investigations into the interface of silence, resonance, barely audible sound, and non-directionality in music.”  The Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center is at 3301 Lemp Avenue.  For more information: www.lemp-arts.org.

Elisabeth von Trapp

McKendree College presents The Sound of Christmas with Elisabeth von Trapp (granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp) and the Carolian Brass Quintet on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30 PM.  The concert takes place in the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the college campus in Lebanon, IL.  For more information: thehett.com.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents the Christmas at the Cathedral with the Archdiocesan Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, Handbell Choir, and Orchestra.  The performances take place on Saturday, December 7, at 8 PM and Sunday, December 8, at 2:30 pm at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell.  The program features Christmas classics old and new, including Vivaldi's Gloria." For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org

David Robertson conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Cantatas 1-3 from the Bach Christmas Oratorio on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, at 8 PM at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  Featured soloists are Dominique Labelle, soprano; Kate Lindsey, mezzo-soprano; Nicholas Phan, tenor; and Stephen Powell, baritone.  The Saturday concert will be broadcast live on St. Louis Public Radio at 90.7 and HD 1.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

St. Louis Children's Choirs

The St. Louis Symphony presents Holiday Concert 2013 with the St. Louis Children’s Choirs on Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 PM at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Shepley Program of Music and Arts presents an organ recital by William Partridge on Thursday, December 5 at 12:30 PM at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust.  Admission is free.  For more information: christchurchconcerts.org.

The Shepley Program of Music and Arts presents A Gift to the City, a holiday concert by The Webster University Chamber Orchestra and the Webster University Chamber Singers on Sunday, December 8, at 2 PM at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust.  Admission is free.  For more information: christchurchconcerts.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents pianist Andrew Throdahl performing music by Bach, Ligeti, and Ravel on Tuesday, December 3, 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.

Tom Sitzler and Philip Touchette
in The Mini Ring

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Music Concert Thursday, December 5, 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.

Union Avenue Opera presents The Mini Ring, an original adaptation of Wagner’s Ring cycle for children arranged by former UAO Education Coordinator Elise LaBarge, Saturday, December 7, at 1 PM.  The performance takes place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End.  The program begins with an interactive lecture led by Stephanie Ball, followed by a performance of the 45-minute opera.  For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.