SEATTLE SYMPHONY–Haydn’s Symphony No. 83, “The Hen,” is an utterly
delightful piece, always a joy to listen to. What it’s doing in a concert titled
“An Italian Baroque Evening” I have no idea. Especially when the rest of the
program consists of exactly what you’d expect: Boccherini’s Symphony No. 6,
Vivaldi’s Concerto for Strings Op. 30, No. 1 and Violin Concerto in E, Op. 56,
No. 4, and Albinoni’s Violin Concerto in C. Vladimir Spivakov conducts and fiddles.
Benaroya Hall, Taper Auditorium, Fri-Sat March 5-6, 8 pm, $20-$45, 215-4747
or www.seattlesymphony.org.
NORTHWEST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA–Beethoven’s Septet Op. 20 has never suffered
for performances over the centuries; and it is a lovely bit of music. But it’s
also superficial and imitative, as is always pointed out when, as here, it’s
paired with Schubert’s Octet D. 803, a masterpiece modeled on, but surpassing,
Beethoven’s youthful entertainment. Violinist Joseph Silverstein returns as
a guest artist. Benaroya Hall, Nordstrom Recital Hall, Sun March 7, 2:30
pm, $22.50/$24.50 (children 17 and under free when accompanied by an adult),
343-0445 or 292-ARTS.
RON McFARLANE–You never hear about what Scotland was up to during
the Renaissance. Here’s a program of lute music to help fill in the puzzle.
Seattle Art Museum, First & University, Sun March 7, 3 pm, $12/$16/$20,
325-7066.