Crocuses are peeking out in Capitol Hill yards and spring is around the corner. Get out of the house and explore the richness of the DC classical music scene Over the next two weeks, four innovative concerts await, ranging from an old favorite at the Kennedy Center to a celebration of women’s vocals in medieval chamber music. Branch out and try new things, discovering classical music in non-traditional settings.
Don Giovanni
From Feb. 29 to March 22, Don Giovanni will be ruling over the elegant halls of the Kennedy Center’s Opera House, staged by the Washington National Opera. While it is frequently performed, the age of #metoo instills a new perspective into Mozart’s dramatic work in which a rich nobleman seduces and takes advantage of women across Spain.
Various Times Feb. 29 to March 22, 2020. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Opera House (2700 F St. NW). Tickets $45-$299. Online at the Kennedy Center or call the box office at (202) 467-4600.
Voices of Eya
On March 7, as part of the Washington Performing Art’s Chamber Music at Noon series, two members of the vocal group Eya will perform at the DC Public Library West End Branch. This concert presents medieval music arranged for women’s voices in celebration of Women’s History Month. This concert is also a fun opportunity to check out the 2017 renovation of the West End library.
12 p.m. March 7. West End DC Public Library (2301 L St NW). Tickets are free.
Chiarina Chamber Players
It’s never too early to start celebrating Beethoven’s birthday, the composer was born 250 years ago in Dec. of 1770. The Chiarina Chamber Player’s performance at St. Mark’s Church of a selection of Beethoven’s piano trios is the perfect place to start. Their March 15 performance will be the second of two parts in which they are performing all of Beethoven’s piano trios arranged for piano, cello and violin. The selection of pieces includes Beethoven’s illustrious and beautiful “Archduke” trio. As the packed audience of Part I of this concert, given in February, can attest to, this performance is not to be missed.
7:30 p.m. March 15. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (301 A St. SE). Tickets $25 regular, $10 for age 30 or under. Buy them online.
Folger Consort
The Folger Consort will present a collection of music inspired by Italy’s three great poets, Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, known as ‘the three fountains’. The concert escapes the traditional confines of classical music instruments with combinations that include fiddles, harps and bagpipes.
Various times. March 6 to March 8. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE. Tickets $42. Online buy tickets online.
