Paul Lewis |
Here are some of the dozens of classical-music events this winter I'm especially looking forward to (or most curious about).
1. Paul Lewis :: This British pianist, who ought to be better known here, presents an evening devoted to Schubert's three heartbreaking last sonatas in this Celebrity Series of Boston recital. :: January 12 :: Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St, Boston :: $35-$75 :: 617.482.2595 or celebrityseries.org
2. Collage New Music: Messiaen,Vingt regards sur l'enfant-Jésus:: Collage's veteran pianist Christopher Oldfather might be the perfect interpreter of Messiaen's challenging 20-movement, two-hour contemplation of the childhood of Jesus. :: January 13 :: Edward M. Pickman Hall, 27 Garden St, Cambridge :: $10-$15 [students free] :: 617.901.1677 or info@collagenewmusic.org
3. Boston Symphony Orchestra: VerdiRequiem:: The upcoming BSO season includes distinguished performers and great music, but not always in ideal alignment. If I had to choose one program, how could it not be the most exciting choral work ever written? Daniele Gatti leads four soloists new to Boston. :: January 17–19 :: Symphony Hall, 301 Mass Ave, Boston :: $30-$124 :: 617.266.1492 or bso.org
4. Cantata Singers :: Leave it to music director David Hoose to organize a fascinating program of works in the Phrygian mode. The disparate composers are Anton Bruckner, Frank Martin, and the British composer Herbert Howells (his 1936 Requiem). :: January 18 :: First Congregational Church, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge :: $17-$52; student rush $10 :: 617.868.5885 or cantatasingers.org
5. Handel and Haydn Society: Purcell'sThe Indian Queen:: Henry Purcell's unfinished semi-opera gets dusted off by H&H's Harry Christophers. Famous scenes by Purcell and a Masque by Purcell's brother Daniel (who completed The Indian Queen) flesh out the program. :: Jordan Hall, Boston [January 25]; Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St, Cambridge [January 27] :: $20-$84 :: 617.266.3605 or handelandhaydn.org
6. Discovery Ensemble :: Courtney Lewis (currently also associate conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra) has delivered some of Boston's most satisfying and exhilarating concerts. This one includes a Rossini overture, John Adams's Chamber Symphony, Stravinsky's scintillating Danses concertantes, and Haydn's Symphony No. 92. :: February 1 :: Sanders Theatre :: $20-$40 :: 617.800.7588 or discoveryensemble.com
Susan Graham |
7. Renée Fleming and Susan Graham :: Two of the Metropolitan Opera's most beloved American divas join forces in a rare joint recital for the Celebrity Series of Boston. :: February 3 :: Symphony Hall :: $45-$125 :: 617.482.2595 or celebrityseries.org
8. Boston Lyric Opera Annex: James MacMillan'sClemency:: Although I haven't much liked what MacMillan I've heard, his opera based on the Abraham and Sarah story, with Boston baritone David Kravitz in one of the title roles, sounds intriguing. Cheers to BLO for co-commissioning this and for scheduling the US premiere. Schubert's song "Hagar's Lament" opens the program. :: February 6, 7, 9, and 10 :: Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, 100 West Second St, Boston :: $80-$100 :: 617.542.6772 or blo.org
