St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 20, 2020

This week: new music for piano, chamber music for guitar, Star Wars in Concert, and a low brass blowout.

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Matthew Shipp

The New Music Circle presents pianist Matthew Shipp on Friday, January 24, at 8 pm. "In his unique and recognizable style, New York City pianist Matthew Shipp has performed and recorded vigorously from the late 1980s onward, creating music in which free jazz and modern classical intertwine. His approach to the piano reflects a concentrated blend of Thelonious Monk's phrasing and the improvised explorations of Cecil Taylor." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center in University City. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents guitarist Mark Grgic and members of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis in concert Monday and Tuesday, January 20 and 21 at 7:30 pm. The performances take place in the ballroom at the Sheldon in Grand Center. For more information: stlclassicalguitar.com.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Joshua Gersen conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert, Thursday through Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, January 23-26. "The battle for the galaxy intensifies in the intergalactic adventure of the unfolding saga Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert. Travel to a galaxy far, far away and experience the iconic film on the big screen at Powell Hall as the SLSO performs the score live." Performances take place at Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Schlafly Tap Room presents the St. Louis Low Brass Collective in a Low Brass Spectacular on Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 PM. “Join us as we present another great concert of Low Brass Music, featuring British Jazz trombonist Carol Jarvis, with rhythm section, and String Quartet. We will also present our 9th Commissioned work, written especially for the organization. Featuring the best and brightest low brass from around the St. Louis Region.” The Schlafly Tap Room is at 2100 Locust downtoan. For more information: stllbc.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 9, 2019

Two big annual holiday concerts take place at Powell Hall this week, along with chamber music just down the block at the Sheldon.

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The Bach Society Christmas Candlelight Concert

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents the annual Christmas Candlelight Concert on Tuesday, December 10, at 7:30 PM. “A St. Louis Christmas tradition, the Christmas Candlelight Concert is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. Plan to join us for Poulenc's Gloria with soprano soloist Michele Kennedy, the beloved candlelight processional, and even the “12 Days of Christmas” with a special appearance by The St. Louis Children's Choirs and Webster University Chamber Singers. Come experience a night filled with Christmas cheer to kick off your holiday season!" The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.bachsociety.org

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents The British Are Coming on Monday and Tuesday, December 9 and 10, at 7:30 pm. "Enjoy some British charm, courtesy of Holst and Purcell, and a 'London' trio by honorary Brit Franz Joseph Haydn." Performances take place at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The New Music Circle presents Fred Frith on Saturday, December 14, at 8 pm. "Renowned and exploratory British guitarist / composer Fred Frith is an icon of avant-garde music, employing a rare musical intelligence, accompanied by an omnipresent sense of humor." The performance takes place at Joe's Cafe, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The Mercy Holiday Celebration

Stuart Malina conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with the Holiday Festival Chorus and soloist Rachel Potter in the Mercy Holiday Celebration Friday through Sunday at 2 and 7:30 pm, December 13-15. "Check laughter and cheer off your holiday list at the Mercy Holiday Celebration with the SLSO. Enjoy your favorite holiday classics performed by the SLSO and Holiday Festival Chorus, plus a special visit from Santa Claus himself. This unforgettable experience will put you in the holiday spirit and show you why thousands of St. Louis residents make this concert an annual tradition." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Winds Division Recital on Monday and Tuesday, December 9 and 10, at 3 pm. The concerts take place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Flute Choir concert on Monday, December 9, at 7:30 pm. The event 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/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, December 15, at 3 pm. "Join the choirs of Washington University in singing the Christmas portion of G.F. Handel's 'Messiah.' Bring your own score or borrow one at the door!" The event takes place at Graham Chapel on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

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 April 11, 2016

Marlon Daniel

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African Musical Arts presents A Tribute to Great African Composers: The Power of Music to Bring People Together on Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. "A concert of over 200 singers and musicians participating from the St. Louis Children's Choirs, St. Louis Women's HOPE Chorale, Legend Singers, University City Symphony Orchestra, IMI Chamber Players, as well as the very captivating Voices of Trinity from Chicago, acclaimed soprano Alison Buchanan and renowned African American conductor Marlon Daniel from New York." The concert takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: africarts.org.

African Musical Arts presents A Tribute to Great African Composers: The Power of Music to Bring People Together on Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m. "A concert of over 200 singers and musicians participating from the St. Louis Children's Choirs, St. Louis Women's HOPE Chorale, Legend Singers, University City Symphony Orchestra, IMI Chamber Players, as well as the very captivating Voices of Trinity from Chicago, acclaimed soprano Alison Buchanan and renowned African American conductor Marlon Daniel from New York." The concert takes place at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 6800 Washington in University City. For more information: africarts.org.

The Community Music School of Webster University presents Spring Opera Scenes on Sunday, April 17, at 4 p.m. "Webster students from the Department of Music present a variety of scenes from several well-known operatic masterpieces, including The Mikado and Patience by Gilbert and Sullivan, The Marriage of Figaro and Cosi fan tutte by Mozart, and Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss." The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

The Community Music School of Webster University presents a concert by The Webster University Chamber Orchestra on Sunday, April 17, at 7 p.m. "The Webster University Chamber Orchestra presents its season finale concert on April 17, 2016 at the Concert Hall of the Community Music School at Webster University. Conductor Dr. Paul Davis will be joined by guest conductor Suzanne Rome from Louisiana State University. The program features classic orchestral repertoire, including Rossini's Overture to The Barber of Seville, Debussy's Suite Bergamasque, Tchaikovsky's Waltz from Sleeping Beauty, and closes with Beethoven's Symphony No. 5." The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

Tyshawn Sorey

New Music Circle and KDHX present the Alloy Trio on Saturday, April 16, at 8 p.m. "Alloy Trio is the highly anticipated group led by drummer/composer Tyshawn Sorey. Named one of 'Five Drummers Whose Time Is Now' by The New York Times, Sorey has spent a career confounding expectations. For over a decade he has remained one of the most prolific drummers in NYC, playing with the likes of Vijay Iyer, Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton and Myra Melford. Outside of his musical works he also holds a masters from Wesleyan University and in 2015 received the prestigious Doris Duke Impact Award." The performance takes place at TheStage @ KDHX, on Washington Avenue in Grand Center, just east of the Jazz Bistro. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, at 8 p.m., Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with piano soloist Louie Lortie in Saint-Saëns's Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the "Egyptian" concerto, and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition as orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Joseph Young conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven's New Groove, a special Family Concert on Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m. "Stomp, clap, clap, stomp! Learn about the beats in music and how different rhythms create different music styles. Hear your classical favorites, including Tchaikovksy's Waltz from Sleeping Beauty, Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King and selections from Beethoven's Fifth and Ninth symphonies." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Fifty Fingers of Imrat Khan

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Ustad Imrat Khan and The Fifty Fingers of Imrat Khan on Friday, April 15, at 8 PM. "A great family heritage of musicians of sitar and surbahar dating to the era of the courts of Akbar. Continuing the heritage with his 4 sons and with special introduction by the students of the great master Ustad Imrat Khan is a special musical contribution from Todd Mosby, master of ImratGuitar." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a classical open stage night on Monday, April 11, 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 guitarist Mark Akin on Saturday, April 16, at 8 p.m. The concert features music by Assad, Bach, Dowland, Giuliani, Grieg, Jose, and Rodrigo. 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 29, 2016

The Spektral Quartet

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New Music Circle and the Wasington University Music Department present The Spektral Quartet in concert on Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 PM. "Founded in 2010, the Spektral Quartet is widely regarded as one of Chicago's most charismatic and forward-thinking chamber ensembles. The group's creative approach to concert format, often shifting the role of audience member from spectator to participant, has earned it a loyal following within and beyond Chicago's city limits." The event takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.newmusiccircle.org.

Gilbert Varga conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and piano soloist Denis Kozhukhin in music by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich Saturday at 8 p.m.and Sunday at 3 p.m. March 5 and 6. The program is part of the Symphony's four-week Shakespeare Festival. "Prokofiev's most recognized and haunting score from one of the greatest love stories of our time, Romeo and Juliet is full of radiant textures and heart-breaking tenderness. Denis Kozhukhin makes his STL Symphony debut performing Shostakovich's light-hearted and energetic Piano Concerto No. 2, written as a birthday gift for the composer's son." The program also includes Tchaikovsky's tone poem Hamlet. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Arianna String Quartet

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Arianna String Quartet in Octet! on Friday, March 4, at 8 PM. "The Arianna Quartet welcomes the internationally acclaimed St. Petersburg String Quartet to St. Louis for a special evening of great music among friends. The Arianna Quartet kicks off the concert with a performance of Beethoven's robust Quartet in E-flat Major, Op.74, the "Harp", with the St. Petersburg Quartet following in a performance of Shostakovich Quartet No.9, a deeply personal and reflective work of immense scope. To cap the evening, the Arianna and St. Petersburg Quartets take the stage together for a performance of Felix Mendelssohn's jubilant String Octet, the ultimate party piece among friends!" The Touhill Performing Arts Center in on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.

The University City Symphony Orchestra presents The Seeds Continue to Flower on Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m. "The UCSO proudly presents the 2015-2016 Season: Black Art Matters. The third concert of the season, "The Seeds Continue to Flower," expands on our in-depth look at symphonic music's African roots. We present George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," followed by James P. Johnson's "Yamekraw—Negro Rhapsody," featuring pianist Richard C. Alston. The finale will be "The Score," "a soundtrack in search of a movie," by contemporary composer Clovice A. Lewis. The performance of the piece will feature the composer as cello soloist, and projections of artwork by local elementary students, created in response to listening to Lewis' piece in their classrooms. Join Maestro Leon Burke III before the concert for a pre-concert talk in the auditorium at 2:15pm." The performance takes place at the Performing Arts Center in Haertter Hall at John Burroughs School, 755 S Price Rd. For more information: ucso.org.

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

Nasville Ballet's Carmina Burana

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Dance St. Louis presents the Nashville Ballet production of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. The production features 120 singers, 60 musicians, and 40 dancers, including The University of Missouri-St. Louis Orchestra and Singers, The Bach Society of Saint Louis and The St. Louis Children's Choir. The opening act for Carmina Burana a world premiere performed by Saint Louis Ballet and choreographed by Dance St. Louis Artistic and Executive Director Michael Uthoff. Performances take place at the Touhill Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information: dancestlouis.org.

The Ethical Society presents a Great Artist Guitar Series concert with Duo Miric on Saturday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Identical twin sisters Tanja Miric and Darka (Kooienga) Miric, natives of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina-were presented at the GFA convention in Louisville, KY. in 2013. Their awards include winners of theB.G. Walden Memorial Scholarship at Mississippi College, and First Place awards at the MMTA, MFMC, and University of Texas Ensemble Festival competitions." The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

Charlemagne Palestine

The New Music Circle presents Charlemagne Palestine on Saturday, November 7, at 8 p.m. "Charlemagne Palestine may not be a considered a household name in all circles, but his moniker is one you would be unlikely to forget. Now at the age of 70, Palestine has made a name for himself as a musician unlike any other, his signature style being comprised of long evolving drones and sustained notes, often involving installations of stuffed animals that envelope the performance space." The performance takes place at The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The New Music Circle presents a pipe organ concert by Charlemagne Palestine on Sunday, November 8, at 7 p.m. "Charlemagne Palestine will be joined by a live processed video feed led by Chad Eivins and Kevin Harris, two of St. Louis' most regarded moving image artists." The performance takes place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 Soulard Street in Soulard. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Two: In Every Corner Sing on Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m. "Music scored for multiple choirs is heard to grand effect in this spacious acoustic. Offerings by Monteverdi and Vaughan Williams, and a commission from contemporary British master Gabriel Jackson, complement more elaborate settings by Thea Musgrave (Make We Merry), Knut Nystedt (Immortal Bach, for 5 choirs) and Thomas Tallis (Spem in Alium, in forty parts)." The concert takes place at St. Louis Abbey6, 500 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org.

Orli Shaham
Photo: Christian Steiner

Nicholas McGegan conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, with piano soloist Orli Shaham, on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., November 6 and 7. "With 'playing marked by delicacy, agility and a sense of fun' (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), pianist Orli Shaham shines in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9, a work full of profound emotion written by the composer at the age of 21. Nicholas McGegan brings these concerts to a stunning conclusion with Haydn's Symphony No. 98, the first piece completed by Haydn after learning of Mozart's death." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Wind Symphony and pianist Jennifer Lim-Judd perform Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and other wind band compositions on Sunday, November 8, at 3:00 PM. The performance takes place at Kirkwood High School Keating Theater, 801 West Essex in Kirkwood. For more information: stlwindsym.org.

Webster University presents pianist Carol Schmidt and Friends in Humor and Music on Sunday, November 8, at 4:00 p.m. A member of the Webster Jazz Faculty, Carol Schmidt creates a program of funny business - music intended to make us laugh and perhaps bring on a happy mood! Expect quiet chuckles and outright guffaws as Webster University’s Department of Music faculty and friends reach the lighter side of their performance personalities. The program includes music by Gershwin, Satie, and Thelonius Monk performed by vocalists Debby Lennon, Martha Hunt, and Jeffrey Carter, along with pianists Kim Portnoy, Daniel Schene, and Carol Schmidt and bassist Ric Vice. The performance takes place in the Winifred Moore Auditorium 470 E. Lockwood on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 16, 2015

Chamber Music Society of STL
at the Sheldon Ballroom

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Belated Love Fest on Monday and Tuesday, February 16 and 17, at 7:30 PM. "Our popular annual Valentine's Day Salut D'Amour to Romance through music of Brahms, Dvorak, and Satie, performing chamber music of the highest quality in a relaxed, informal, cabaret style where audiences can have an entertaining evening as they sit at a table with friends, share a bottle of wine and light snacks while enjoying beautiful music performed by some of the finest musicians in St. Louis." The concert takes place at The Sheldon Ballroom, 3648 Washington. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The New Music Circle presents Okkyung Lee (cello) and Lotte Anker (saxophone) on Saturday, February 21, at 7:30 PM. Okkyung Lee has been developing her own approach to cello performance for over a decade. Unbound by any specific genre or style, her visceral yet communicative sound draws from her background in extended instrumental techniques, Korean traditional musics and contemporary experimental aesthetics. Born in Korea but based in New York City since 2000, she has released several albums on labels such as Tzadik, Ideologic Organ, and Ecstatic Peace. In an unforgettable 2011 performance in St. Louis, Danish saxophonist, Lotte Anker, left a lasting impression on all those who witnessed and an eager anticipation for a return visit. Informed by the rich improvised music scene of Copenhagen during the late ‘80's, Anker has honed a dramatic sense of pacing and tone, juxtaposing brisk sounds against long stretches of extended melody, creating an effect that is both moody and responsive.... and occasionally sounding as if Evan Parker were to sit in with Sun Ship-era Coltrane." The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org

The St. Louis Symphony's Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, February 19, at 7:30 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.

Juraj Valcuha
rte.ie

Juraj Valcuha conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with piano soloist André Watts on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m. February 20 and 21. "Slovakian conductor Juraj Valcuha makes his STL Symphony debut conducting Tchaikovsky's "Pathétique" Symphony, noted for its deliberate and emotional finale, which trails off into silence. Andre Watts joins the STL Symphony for Rachmaninoff's passionate Second Piano Concerto, a work the composer performed in front of St. Louis audiences in 1936." 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 with the Project Trio in From Bach to Rock to Hip Hop on Sunday at 3 p.m., February 22. "Join this high-energy ensemble and the STL Symphony on an interactive journey for the whole family to explore rhythm and music through the years. Travel through time with familiar pieces, such as the William Tell Overture, Brahms' Hungarian Dances, and some Beatbox Bach! " The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Alison Rolf (violin) and Johanna Ballou (piano) on Friday, February 20, at 8 p.m. "Violinist Alison Rolf and pianist Johanna Ballou team up for evening of music at the Tavern for violin and piano by Paul Hindemith, Bela Bartok, and Zoltan Kodály. Johanna Ballou will also perform solo piano works by Heitor Villa-Lobos and Enrique Granados." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Harpsichordist
Maryse Carlin

Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church presents Voices from the Holocaust: Music Makes You Free on Monday, February 16, at 12:15 p.m. " Kathleen Nigro, Gail Fleming, and Barbara Harbach, UMSL faculty members, present a program in honor of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau and Terezin (Theresienstadt) concentration campus. They talk about a visit to Dachau and meeting with a survivor, Mendel Rosenberg, here in St. Louis. They present Fleming's musical arrangement of the Dachaulied taken from the walls at Dachau and original vocal composition Shalom "for the victims of Dachau." Harbach present her song cycle, Terezin Children's Songs, for soprano, violin and piano on children's poetry from the Terezin concentration camp where around 15,000 children between the years 1942-1944 were imprisoned; only100 of them survived. Three outstanding musicians perform the song cycle: Stella Markou, soprano; Julia Sakharova, violin; and Alla Voskoboynikova, piano." Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church is at 8454 Glen Echo Drive in Bel-Nor, MO.

Washington University's Danforth University Chamber Music Series presents harpsichordists Maryse Carlin and Todd Decker in concert on Wednesday, February 18, at 7:30 p.m. The program consists of music by JS Bach, WFE Bach, Gaspard le Roux, and Antonio Soler. 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 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 December 1, 2014

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Wind Serenade on Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 3, at 7:30 PM. "Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents an updated re-creation of the 18th Century party environment. Music of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven." The concert takes place at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The Jefferson College Concert Band presents a Winter Classics concert on Tuesday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. The performance takes place in the Fine Arts Theatre at 1000 Viking Drive on the Hillsboro campus in Hillsboro, MO. For more information: jeffco.edu.

The Jefferson College Music Department presents Sounds of the Season, a choral concert, on Sunday, December 7, at 3:30 p.m. The performance takes place in the Fine Arts Theatre at 1000 Viking Drive on the Hillsboro campus in Hillsboro, MO. For more information: jeffco.edu.

The New Music Circle presents The Craig Taborn and Roscoe Mitchell Duo on Friday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. "An internationally renowned musician, composer and innovator, Roscoe Mitchell began his distinguished career in the spirited 1960s of Chicago. In Mitchell's own opinion, his work is a product of his heritage in the fertile art communities of the AACM (Association for Advancement of Creative Musicians) and The Art Ensemble of Chicago. Both organizations spawned large networks of musicians and inspired radical approaches to performance and musical thought, thus informing his own practice for over five decades. Primarily known for his saxophone playing, Mitchell's multi-instrumental palette also includes various flutes, woodwinds and a broad range of percussion. NYC pianist and ECM recording artist, Craig Taborn, has remained a ubiquitous presence on the jazz scene for the past two decades, performing with jazz musicians and seasoned veterans as well as experimental rock and techno artists. His pianistic approach alludes to the explorations of Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Cecil Taylor." The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX, 3524 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Brass Band presents A Holiday Spectacular on Sunday, November 16, at 2:30 p.m. "This concert will bring a smile to your face and Ho Ho Ho to your lips as the British Brass Band presents holiday and seasonal favorites as only a brass band can. As this concert also falls on December 7th, a portion of this concert will honor the servicemen and servicewomen who have given so much to the freedoms we enjoy. The Band will also be looking forward to their annual visit from that special holiday character from the North Pole." The concert takes place at The Florissant Civic Center, 1 James J. Eagan Drive in Florissant, MO. For more information: stlbb.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with violin soloists Jessica Cheng, Angie Smart, Jooyeon Kong, and Alison Harney, on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m., December 5-7. The program features Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" along with music by Barber and Wagner. "Drawing inspiration from his everyday surroundings, Vivaldi's Four Seasons evoke the sounds of nature unique among the composer's two hundred violin concertos. Resident Conductor Steven Jarvi makes his subscription debut with Vivaldi's masterwork that puts the soloists—the STL Symphony's own Jessica Cheng, Angie Smart, Jooyeon Kong, Alison Harney—and ensemble on stunning virtuosic display." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Saint Louis University's Fine and Performing Arts Music Program presents a holiday concert by the Guitar Ensemble on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. The concert takes place at Boileau Hall, 38 N. Vandeventer Avenue on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: www.slu.edu/department-of-fine-and-performing-arts-home.

Saint Louis University's Fine and Performing Arts Music Program presents a holiday student recital on Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. The concert takes place in Room 348, Xavier Hall, on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: www.slu.edu/department-of-fine-and-performing-arts-home

Saint Louis University's Fine and Performing Arts Music Program presents a holiday String Orchestra concert on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. The concert takes place in the Xavier Hall Theater, 3733 West Pine, on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: www.slu.edu/department-of-fine-and-performing-arts-home

Saint Louis University's Fine and Performing Arts Music Program presents a holiday concert by the University String Quartets on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. The concert takes place at St. Francis Xavier College Church at the corner of Lindell and Grand on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: www.slu.edu/department-of-fine-and-performing-arts-home

Saint Louis University's Fine and Performing Arts Music Program presents a holiday concert by the University Choirs on Sunday, December 7, at 6 p.m. The concert takes place at St. Francis Xavier College Church at the corner of Lindell and Grand on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: www.slu.edu/department-of-fine-and-performing-arts-home

The Shepley Program of Music and Arts presents A Holiday Gift from Webster University on Sunday, December 7, at 2 PM. "This concert, titled 'A Holiday Gift to the People of Saint Louis' is presented and performed by the Students and Faculty of Webster University." The recital takes place at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust. Admission is free. For more information: christchurchconcerts.org.

Cardinal String Quartet

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Cardinal String Quartet in a program of music by Beethoven and Dvorak on Tuesday, December 2, at 8 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 Touhill Performing Arts Center presents a Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 4, at 7:30 PM at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. "Come Join the University Community Chorus, directed by John Smith, the University Orchestra, directed by Dr. Jim Richards, the Arianna String Quartet, and guest choirs, presenting a selection of music for the holiday season." For more information: touhill.org.

The Washington University Symphony presents a free concert on Monday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. The program will include music by Debussy and Bizet. The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City, MO. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

The 442s

Washington University's Danforth University Chamber Music Series presents The 442s in concert on Tuesday, December 2, at 7:30 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 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 concert takes place at the Danforth University Center, 1 Brookings Drive on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a student recital on featuring organist Ethan Schueler on Tuesday, December 2, at 8 p.m. The program includes music by Chopin, Vaughan Williams, Schumann and Beethoven. The performance takes place at Graham Chapel on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a Guitar Gala, featuring students in the university guitar program, on Thursday, December 4, at 8 p.m. The program includes music by Bach, Fernando Sor, and Hindemeth. The performance takes place at Graham Chapel on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the Washington University Flute Choir, Community Flute Choir, and the Clayton High School Flute Choir in a program of works for large flute ensemble. The concert takes place on Sunday, December 7, at 8 p.m. at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City, MO. For more information: For more information: music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 3, 2014

Eli Keszler

Christ Church Cathedral presents pianist Mark Laverty in a program of the complete Études of Chopin on Sunday, November 9, at 2 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral is at 13th and Olive downtown. For more information: christchurchconcerts.org.

The New Music Circle presents Eli Keszler on Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m. "NYC based drummer and sound artist, Eli Keszler, engages in a frictional push-and-pull of percussive sound through instrumental means which are both traditional and experimental. His hyper-percussive improvisations are ripe with detailed and pointillistic attacks that build momentum to form frenzied sonic clusters, drawing inspiration from the spontaneity of Han Bennik's percussion work as well as the harmonic density of Colin Nancorrow's compositions." The performance takes place at the Luminary Center for the Arts, 2701 Cherokee Street. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

St. Cecilia Catholic Church presents St. Louis Chamber Chorus Concert II: Juan Gutierrez De Padilla and Heitor Villa-Lobos on Sunday, November 9, at 3 p.m. 'Twelve masterful exponents of the choral repertoire, from six centuries and three continents, are presented in pairs, demonstrating the sheer vitality and variety possible in writing for unaccompanied choir. Each program includes a reprise of a Chamber Chorus original, commissioned for us in recent years from a leading choral composer. Concert II at St.Cecilia Magnificent motets for double choir by Padilla, a master of the Mexican Renaissance, are complemented with the stirring Miss Sao Sebastiao of modern Brazilian genius, Heitor Villa-Lobos. " St. Cecilia Catholic Church is at 5418 Louisiana Ave. For more information: chamberchorus.org.

Markus Groh

Hannu Lintu conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and piano soloist Markus Groh in Grieg's "Piano Concerto," Schumann's "Concertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra," " Lemminkäinen's Return" by Sibelius, and "Les Preludes" by Liszt on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., November 7 and 8. "Markus Groh joins the STL Symphony for the Grieg Piano Concerto, one of the most popular concertos ever written, full of familiar melodies used in movies and television including Twin Peaks, The X-Files, Milo and Otis and many more." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the Cavatina Duo on Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m. "Combining Spanish passion with Balkan sensibility, the Cavatina Duo has become known for powerful and versatile performances, captivating audiences in many festivals and venues across Europe, Asia, and the USA. Winners of the "Young Musicians of the Doelen" competition in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 1996, the duo has been called "the best flute and guitar duo in the world today" by Sergio Assad. Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner, acclaimed as "a brilliant young musician" by British Flute Society magazine, teams with Bosnian guitarist (and husband) Denis Azabagic, winner of eleven international guitar competitions. The Sheldon is at 3658 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents guitarist Alison Rolf, violin; Chris Banda, viola; and James Nacy, cello in a program of music by Mozart, Kodaly and Beethoven on Friday, November 7, at 8 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 Arianna String Quartet

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Arianna String Quartet on Friday, November 7, at 8 PM at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. "Maestro Klein will take the audience on a sonic journey through the expansive range of expression of the oboe. WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Oboe Quartet in F Major, K.370; ANTAL DORTI: Notturno and Capriccio for Oboe and String Quartet; BENJAMIN BRITTEN: Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and String Trio, Op.2; LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Quartet in F Major, Op.135." For more information: touhill.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

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 19. 2014

Ingrid Laubrock and Tom Rainey

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The New Music Circle presents the NMC Showcase on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:00 PM. "Featured artists will include: Tom Rainey and Ingrid Laubrock, Tyler Damon, and Nathan Cook. Drummer Tom Rainey and saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock are perhaps two of New York City's most active jazz improvisers and sought-after collaborators, and both may be found on any given night performing with musicians such as Anthony Braxton, Tim Berne or Craig Taborn. Drummer Tyler Damon (Bloomington, Indiana) will also make a return to St. Louis after playing a recent concert last summer at the St. Louis Art Museum in a power-house trio with Darin Gray and Mars Williams. Damon will be performing in an improvised trio with Kevin Harris (modular synth) and guitarist Chris Trull (Yowie). St. Louis sound-artist and label proprietor Nathan Cook will round out this event with a performance combining electronic, acoustic, and playback sounds." The performance takes place at the William A Kerr Foundation, 21 O'Fallon Street. For more information: newmusiccircle.org

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Opening the Doors to 27 rue de Fleurus: The world premiere of “27”. "Audiences will have the unique chance to enter the world of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas through the music of composer Ricky Ian Gordon and the words of librettist Royce Vavrek in this world premiere, the second in Opera Theatre's New Works, Bold Voices cycle. Led off with remarks by Mr. Gordon and Mr. Vavrek, in this panel audiences will learn more about the famous salons that Stein and Toklas hosted, as well as the many luminaries and artists that crossed their doorstep. Additional panelists include conductor Michael Christie and director James Robinson, OTSL's artistic director." 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 on Monday, May 19, at 7:30 PM at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert VI: The Ancients Speak – Old Church Slavonic. “Hymns and prayers in contrasting styles, but all in the Russian tradition, are provided by Stravinsky and John Tavener, Schnittke and Georgy Sviridov, and Tchaikovsky and Arvo Part. Our Composer-in-Residence, Yakov Gubanov, will travel to St. Louis for the world premiere of a new work he has written specially for the Chamber Chorus.” The concert takes place on Sunday, May 25, at 3 PM at Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1413 N 20th St. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org

St. Louis Symphony musicians Lorraine Glass-Harris and Wendy Rosen, violins, Leonid Gotman, viola, and Cathie Lehr, cello, perform a program to honor veterans on Sunday, May 25, at 3 PM as part of the Symphony Where You Worship program. The concert takes place at New Mt. Sinai Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois Rd. For more information: www.stlsymphony.org/symphony_worship.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Kenneth Kulosa, cello, performing the Bach Cello Suites 2, 4 and 6 on Tuesday, May 20, 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 Darwyn Apple, violin with Wen Shen, piano on Saturday, May 24, at 8 PM. 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 Robert Stubbs of Centenary Methodist Church, Lebanon, Indiana on Friday, May 23, 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 February 17, 2014

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The Chamber Players of St. Louis and the Laclede Quartet presents a concert of Russian classics by the Laclede Quartet on Sunday, February 23, at 2:30 PM. The concert takes place at the Maryville University Auditorium, 650 Maryville University Drive. For more information: www.lacledequartet.org.

The New Music Circle presents Joshua Abram's New Information Society on Saturday, February 22, at 7:30 PM. "Bassist, composer, and collaborator Joshua Abrams has been an essential voice of Chicago’s vibrant music scene for the past fifteen years, playing and recording as leader and sideman in a wide range of projects and spanning all genres (Hamid Drake, Tortoise, Tony Conrad, Sam Prekop, Jandek, Craig Taborn, Bill Dixon, Kevin Drumm, Bonny “Prince” Billy). Abrams’s most recent project, Natural Information, represents yet another fascinating entry in his composing oeuvre, gathering aesthetic input from all over the globe and melding these influences into his own vivid personal statements. At the heart of Abrams’s sound here is the guimbri, a three-stringed animal hide bass, traditionally used by the Gnawa of North Africa in healing ceremonies. Combining quintet formats with adroit use of sampling techniques, Abrams creates intricate psychedelic environments that join the hypnotic character of Gnawa guimbri music with more contemporary musics and methodologies." The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents an Organ and Brass Spectacular on Sunday, February 23, at 2:30 PM at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. “Experience the sonic splendor of Brass and Organ in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. The 7,621 pipes of the Great Cathedral Organ, played by Cathedral Organist Gereon Krahforst, will be joined by Roger Kaza and a quintet of St. Louis Symphony Brass players in this special performance of brass and organ music, written to be performed in a space such at the Cathedral Basilica.” For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Three: The Ancients Speak - Latin. “We mark the centenary of both our venue and the great British composer, Benjamin Britten, with the St. Louis premiere of his complete cantata, A Boy Was Born. Other early English lyrics inspire seasonal songs by Gustav Holst, Trond Kverno, and Francis Pott, who contributes a brand new carol for this occasion.” The concert takes place on Sunday, February 23, at 3 PM at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents William Kanengiser in concert on Saturday, February 22, at 8 PM. " Last here as a founding member and first guitar of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet in 2010, it’s been ten years since we’ve heard this most-popular American artist perform in solo recital! Recognized as one of America’s finest classical guitarists, William Kanengiser won First Prize in the 1987 Concert Artists Guild International Competition as well as major guitar competitions in Toronto (1981) and Paris (1983)." The performance takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: www.guitarstlouis.net

Bernard Labadie

Bernard Labadie conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with soloists Philip Ross (oboe), Andrew Gott (bassoon), Kristin Ahlstrom (violin), and Melissa Brooks (cello) in a program of music by Rameau, Haydn, and Mozart. Performances take place on Friday at 10:30 AM, Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, February 21-23, at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. “Balancing elegance and moments of great power, Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 is full of charming humor. The beloved work completes a program celebrating the 250th birthday of St. Louis by showcasing talented STL Symphony musicians performing Haydn’s delightful Sinfonia concertante, as well as works by Rameau and Haydn composed in the same year as the founding of St. Louis, 1764.”  For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert on Tuesday, February 178h, beginning at 7 PM at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park. “The STL Symphony celebrates more than 15 years performing for audiences in the beautiful Piper Palm House inside Tower Grove Park. Each of these popular concerts is followed by a complimentary wine tasting reception. Doors open at 6:30pm and all concerts begin at 7pm. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.” For more information: www.stlsymphony.org/symphony_neighborhood

The St. Louis Symphony’s Young Friends of the Symphony presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, February 20, 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. 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 Tavern of Fine Arts presents Patrick Rafferty, guitar; Laura Ross, oboe; and Erika Beasley, soprano in concert on Friday, February 21, at 8:00 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Julie Heck

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents pianist Julie Heck in concert on Saturday, February 22, at 8:00 PM. "Join us for an exciting musical martini of classical, jazz, pop, and original compositions mixed together by pianist Julie J. Heck. Julie Heck is a performing artist, accompanist, and private instructor. She holds a BA in Music Business with a concentration in collaborative piano from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She was the recipient of several scholarships in college, including the Jack Stephen Gramlich Scholarship, the highest award granted in the music department, and graduated with top honors." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.