SEATTLE SYMPHONY
Gerry Schwarz & Co. continue to champion Das Lied von der Glocke by German composer Max Bruch. Composed in 1878, this secular oratorio, also known as The Song of the Bell, is based on a poem by Freidrich Schiller, the same poet whose "Ode to Joy" inspired Beethoven. Plushly scored for a quartet of soloists, mixed chorus, organ, and full orchestra, the poem's conceit--the casting of a new bell--allegorically depicts the path of human life from birth to death. And I thought the phrase "ring my bell" was lewd! Also Fri May 30 at 8 pm and Sun June 1 at 2 pm. Benaroya Hall, Third Ave & Union St, 215-4747, 7:30 pm, $11-$75.
FRIDAY MAY 30
SEATTLE COMPOSERS' SALON
A monthly, informal presentation of new music by Seattle composers, the Salon features finished works, previews, and works-in-progress. Composer and emcee Tom Baker has rounded up composers Keith Eisenbrey, Laura Kaminsky, Marcus Oldham, and Matt Ward-Steinman. Plan to arrive early; the last few installments of the Salon have been standing-room only. Soundbridge at Benaroya Hall, Second Ave & Union St, 215-4747, 8 pm, $5.
SATURDAY MAY 31
SEATTLE GUITAR QUARTET
From their PR photo, you might assume that this is a boy band gone bad instead of a topnotch aggregate of four fleet-fingered guitarists. Michael Nicolella, Michael Partington, Kevin Callahan, and Michael LeFevre perform pieces by J. S. Bach, Leo Brouwer, Luigi Boccherini, George Bizet, and Bryan Johanson. ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave SW, 938-0339, 7:30 pm, $15/$18.
GRETA MATASSA QUARTET
One of our burg's finest jazz vocalists sings standards, old chestnuts, and snazzy originals. Tula's, 2214 Second Ave, 443-4221, 9 pm, $12.
SUNDAY JUNE 1
CHORAL EVENSONG & CANTATA
Held on the first Sunday of each month, this series presents cantatas and other choral music. On the program: J. S. Bach's cantata Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, BWV 11 (which translates as "Praise God in his Realms"), played on period instruments, including baroque trumpets and tympani. St. Stephen's Church, 4805 NE 45th St, 522-7144, 5 pm, free.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 4
OPERA WORKSHOP
UW School of Music students warm up for the big leagues with excerpted scenes from three operas, Fidelio, Don Giovanni, and La Rondine. They'll also tackle assorted Spanish songs, an aria by the now almost forgotten Gian-Carlo Menotti (anyone remember Help! Help! The Globolinks?), and works-in-progress by student composers. Meany Studio Theater, UW Campus, 685-8384, 7:30 pm, free.
COG-DIS ANNIVERSARY
Booking a weekly series and keeping it afloat is like herding cats into the bathtub. To celebrate the second anniversary of some of Seattle's strangest, most adventurous, and bargain-priced music, Cog-Dis honcho Ffej has enlisted Wally Shoup (who delivered two stunning sets at his recent Polestar gig), trumpeter Angelina Baldoz, and electronicist xaxis wye. Expect unannounced special guests, too. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 861-8233, 8 pm, donation requested.
