As a co-leader of Seattle Baroque, he approaches pre-1800 music on period instruments with a lively, even idiosyncratic freedom—the spirit of improvisation informs whatever he plays. Lately, he's been expanding his outlook historically, from Brahms (in an August piano recital) to Bun-Ching Lam (a world premiere with flutist Paul Taub coming up Sunday, Oct. 30). But next he'll play Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, and Telemann, in a half- harpsichord, half-piano recital. Tues., Sept. 20. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255, www.townhallseattle.org.
Anyone who's heard Philip Glass' scores for the Qatsi film trilogy knows how well his music can evoke a sense of vast space, so he was an astute choice for a work honoring the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expeditions. For the NWCO's opening concert, music director Ralf Gothoni has chosen this work (Glass' Piano Concerto No. 2) with its three movements titled "The Vision," "Sacagawea" (featuring Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai), and "The Land." Sun., Sept. 25. Benaroya Recital Hall, 200 University St., 206-343-0445, www.nwco.org.
Seattle Opera
The follow-up to Jake Heggie's freshman operatic effort (the controversial Dead Man Walking) is his adaptation of The End of the Affair, Graham Greene's 1951 novel of passion, faith, and sacrifice during wartime. It premiered last season in Houston, but Seattle Opera is presenting a revised version of a work of "chromatic yearning and mellifluous lyricism" by one of today's busiest and most popular vocal composers. Various days, Oct. 15–29. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 206-389-7676, www.seattleopera.org.
UW Opera
With over 70 productions and a sheaf of orgasmic reviews comparing it favorably to Mozart, Strauss, Falstaff, and Gianni Schicchi, Kirke Mechem's 1980 Tartuffe will be this fall's second major local production of a contemporary opera. Claudia Zahn, who knows from comedy, is directing this version of Molière's classic skewering of hypocrisy. At 80, Mechem is not slowing down, with premieres of The Newport Rivals and John Brown slated for coming seasons, and Pride and Prejudice on his worktable. Various days, Nov. 4–13. Meany Hall, UW campus, 206-543-4880, www.music.washington.edu.
Classical Calendar
Dates are subject to change. Call ahead to confirm.
24 JORGE CABALLERO Opening the Seattle Classic Guitar Societys recital season. Benaroya Recital Hall, 200 University St., 206-365-0845, www.seattleguitar.org.
25 CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE FRYE Music by Northwest composers, with the Cohan-Shangrow Duo.Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry St., 206-622-9250, www.fryemuseum.org.
2 ORCHESTRA SEATTLE/SEATTLE CHAMBER SINGERS More Mozart for his upcoming birthday year, including the Requiem. Meany Hall, UW campus, 206-682-5208, www.osscs.org.
3 KEITH ROWE Guitarist from the legendary British improv collective AMM. Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave., www.gallery1412.org.
3 MARIA SAMPEN American music, mostly, from this violinist. Brechemin Auditorium, UW School of Music, 206-685-8384, www.music.washington.edu.
Would you put a fundraiser community music event in the Seattle Weekly for North Helpline Emergency Service Center and Food Bank?
Ranger and the Re-Arrangers(http://www.rangerswings.com/) will perform at the "Fill the Need Spaghetti Feed" and Gypsy Jazz Concert, on Saturday, April 26th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA. 98125 The traditional spaghetti feed will feature organic and "natural" food and will benefit North Helpline Emergency Service Center and Food Bank, a nonprofit grass roots powered agency serving the north Seattle, Shoreline and Lake Forest Park communities since 1989. Music and Feed for $10/$5 for under 10yrs. Ticket information at 206-367-3477 or at www.northhelplinefoodbank@comcast.net.
