The Well-Tempered Ear

Classical music datebook: Some interesting and unusual concerts of opera, early music and percussion are on tap mid-week on Tuesday and Wednesday nights

By Jacob Stockinger

They come comparatively early in the week, but The Ear has received word of some concerts that may interest you:

First comes another of the growing attempts to find alternative venues and new audiences by taking classical music out of the concert hall.

Tomorrow night, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Brink Lounge (below top), 701 East Washington Ave., Suite 105, the Madison-based groups Fresco Opera Theatre & Candid Concert Opera will be performing an evening of opera. Tickets are $10.

A press release reads: “This will be a unique opportunity for us to perform in an environment that is not usually associated with classical music. Cummerbunds, opera glasses and fur coats not required as Fresco Opera Theatre & Candid Concert Opera (below) join forces to present a one of a kind operatic experience that will knock you off your feet! On top of hearing and seeing this beautiful art form up close and personal, you’ll have a chance to hear both opera companies dish about what we do and how we do it.”

For more information, visit: http://www.thebrinklounge.com/November.html

Also on Tuesday, November 29 at 8:30 p.m. in Morphy Hall, the UW Early Music Ensemble, directed by professor Jeanne Swack (below bottom, in a photo by Katrin Talbot), will perform. Admission is free.

Music of the late Renaissance and Baroque periods, including works by Andrea Gabrieli, Salamone Rossi, Antonio Vivaldi, G. P. Telemann and others.

Performers are Melanie Traeger and Karen Bishop, sopranos; Jennifer Sams, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Breisach and Millie Chang, baroque flute; Jeanne Swack, baroque flute and recorders; Brian Ellingboe, baroque bassoon; Doug Lindsey, cornetto; Greg Schultz, harpsichord; and Alexander Whitaker, harpsichord and organ.

Then on Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m., in Mills Hall, the UW Western Percussion Ensemble (below top), directed by Anthony Di Sanza (below bottom), will perform. Admission is free.

The program includes a premiere performance of “Radioactive Octopus” for marimba quartet by Steven Simpson; and works for chamber percussion by John Cage, William Duckworth, Michael Udow and others.