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

The American Chamber Chorale

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

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

Guitarist Steve Schenkel

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

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

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

Vidwan Prince Rama Varma

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

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

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

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

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 13, 2017

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Music at St. Paul's presents an organ concert by Dr. Barbara Raedeke on Sunday, February 19, 4:00 P.M. "Music at St. Paul's invites you to an organ concert featuring Dr. Barbara Raedeke, Organ Instructor at Washington University in St. Louis, Organist and Choir Director at Parkway United Church of Christ, and past dean of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Dr. Raedeke will perform on St. Paul's recently renovated and expanded Martin Ott Pipe Organ, Opus 28. Light refreshments to follow." The concert takes place at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 12345 Manchester Road in Des Peres. For more information: stpaulsdesperes.org.

Nate Wooley

New Music Circle presents Ikue Mori, electronics, and Nate Wooley, amplified trumpet, on Saturday, February 18, at 8 p.m. "Ikue Mori has been a key experimental musician since moving to New York City from Tokyo in 1977. Inspired by the music of punk rock, she began her career playing drums for the seminal No Wave group DNA. Throughout the 1980's Mori improvised and recorded with a wide range of experimental musicians, and by 1985 had completely abandoned the standard drum set in favor of her own unique drum machine/sampler setup. Nate Wooley is an experimental trumpeter and improviser currently based in New York City. Critically regarded as one of the leading lights of a movement to redefine the physical boundaries of the horn, Wooley has gathered international acclaim for his idiosyncratic trumpet language and vigorous sound - utilizing extended technique, amplification and feedback to create site-specific spontaneous compositions. A collaborator with some of the brightest voices of his generation like Chris Corsano, C. Spencer Yeh, and Mary Halvorson, Wooley has been been championed by icons such as John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, Eliane Radigue, and Evan Parker." The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents St. Louis Symphony violinist Erin Schreiber and pianist Lindsay Garritson, former St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra concertmaster, in a concert of music of Kreisler, Faure and Ravel on Wednesday, February 15, at 8 p.m. The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: sheldonconcerthall.org.

Byron Stripling

The St. Louis Symphony presents Lift Every Voice: A Black History Mont Celebration on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m "This annual concert celebrates African-American culture and traditions that have influenced the history of St. Louis, as well as cities around the world. Join the STL Symphony, guest Byron Stripling and the IN UNISON Chorus to commemorate culture and community with a celebration of music including soul-stirring classics “Holy Is He,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “When the Saints Go Marchin' In” and more!" The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Ben Folds joins The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, at 7:30 at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. “Acclaimed as witty and engaging, singer-songwriter Ben Folds returns to Powell Hall after a sold-out performance in 2011 joining the STL Symphony to perform fan-favorites from his celebrated albums.” For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents an organ concert by Andrew Peters on Sunday, February 19, at 4 p.m. "Organist Andrew Peters plays a varied program of American composers on the church's Schantz pipe organ. Music includes works of Dudley Buck, Aaron Copland, Emma Lou Diemer, Charles Ives, Libby Larsen, and more. A screen placed in the front of the Sanctuary will enable the audience to watch the organists' hands and feet." The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra presents a special benefit concert for Ritenour High School Scholarship Fund on Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m. The performance includes Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole, and Tchaiovsky's 1812 Overture and takes place at Ritenour High School, 9100 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information: tcsomo.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents Keyboard Fest, on Sunday, February 19, at 7:00 p.m.. "A celebration of keyboard music with multi harpsichord concertos, chamber music with fortepiano, strings and horns and more!  With Maryse Carlin, Todd Decker, Charles Metz and the Kingsbury Chamber orchestra." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

The Webster University Department of Music presents a recital by baritone Jacob Lassetter, Associate Professor of Voice at Webster University, accompanied by pianist Nancy Mayo, on Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m. "Exploring both opera and art song, the recital features a variety of composers, styles, and languages. Experience the emotional depth of Johannes Brahms, the subtle nuance of Jacques Ibert, and the stunning power of Giuseppe Verdi." The performance takes place at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/music/

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 16, 2017

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents organist Dr. Horst Buchholz on Sunday, January 22, at 2:30 p.m. "Buchholz studied organ and sacred music in his native Germany at the Berlin College of Church Music and graduated with degrees and diplomas in Church Music and Music Pedagogy from the University of Arts in Berlin. His organ teachers have included Heinz Lohmann, Peter Wackwitz, and Rudolf Heinemann. Among his conducting teachers were Martin Behrmann, Uwe Gronostay, and Erich Bergel. After receiving his teaching certificate in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Arts in Berlin in 1989, Dr. Buchholz continued his post-graduate studies in the United States, where he received his Doctor of Music degree in conducting from the Indiana University School of Music." The performance takes place at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

Iva Bittová

New Music Circle presents vocalist/violinist Iva Bittová and percussionist Hamid Drake, on Friday, January 20, at 8 p.m. "Vocalist/violinist Iva Bittová (Czech Republic) is internationally known for her unique music, which draws on influences from her native Moravia and her lineage in the rich traditions of Slovakia and the Roma people. Her ability to bring those influences together with such modern inspirations as Meredith Monk's wordless vocal pieces and free improvisation, creates music that feels both ancient and new, simultaneously surprising and familiar. Bittová is a storyteller who rarely uses actual language to convey the emotions of her stories. While either singing wordlessly or using an implied language of her own, she crafts intimate, engrossing narratives, ultimately creating her own truly personal style of folk music. Hamid Drake is an American jazz drummer and percussionist, living in Chicago, but spending a great deal of his time touring worldwide. Drake is widely regarded as one of the great percussionists in jazz and improvised music, with a uniquely poetic approach to drumming. The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Low Brass Collective presents Ninth Annual Low Brass Gala Concert on Tuesday, January 17, starting at 7 p.m. "Performers include faculty members from McKendree University, SIUE, SWIC, UMSL, Washington University and Webster University and The Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony" The event takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: www.stllbc.org.

Pianist Till Fellner
Photo: Gabriela Brandenstein

Andrey Boreyko conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and piano soloist Till Fellner on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., January 20 and 21 "Shostakovich's Symphony No. 15 is full of musical references from his own works, plus an unexpected quote from William Tell Overture in the opening. Just to be sure you don't miss it, this piece is paired with Rossini's unforgettable Overture. And pianist Till Fellner makes his STL Symphony debut performing Beethoven's delightful Piano Concerto No. 2, full of contrast and drama." The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony presents PROJECT Trio in The New Adventures of Peter and the Wolf on Sunday at 3 p.m., January 22. "Through the power of music and masterful storytelling, this lively version of Prokofiev's classic Peter and the Wolf will deliver a powerful message inspiring confidence in kids of all ages." The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis in concert on Tuesday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. The program includes music by Mozart, Schubert, Francaix, Haydn, and Beethoven. The performance takes place in the Goldberg Formal Lounge in the Danforth University Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

The Sakura Cello Quintet

The Washington University Department of Music presents the Sakura Cello Quintet on Sunday, January 22, at 1 p.m. " Experience a rich and colorful sound world like no other. A unique and versatile cello quintet, hailed as "brilliant" and "superb" by Mark Swed in the Los Angeles Times, SAKURA presents an engaging and eclectic program of music spanning five centuries in dazzling arrangements, opening new vistas of beauty and expression by showcasing the great warmth and scope offered by the sound of five cellos. Repertoire includes a set of Renaissance a cappella works ranging from the vulgar to the sublime, four of Debussy's evocative piano preludes, songs by Rachmaninoff and Schubert, selections from Leonard Bernstein's enduring West Side Story, and others." The performance takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a concert by violinist Silvian Iticovici and pianist Nina Ferrignoon Sunday, January 22, at 7 p.m. The program consists of the Sonata in G minor, "Devil's Trill Sonata" by Giuseppe Tartini; the Sonata for Violin and Piano by Philip Glass; and the Violin Sonata No. 3, Op. 108 by Johannes Brahms. The performance takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu.