THURSDAY JUNE 8

AMERICAN STRING PROJECT
This conductorless ensemble of string players presents their fifth annual concert series of string music transcribed for full string orchestra. While rescoring usual suspects––Bartók (String Quartet No. 1), Beethoven, Dvorák, and Mozart (String Quintet No. 4, K. 516)—may sound lush, I wish the ASP would tackle more music specifically scored for string orchestra. On the top of my list: Takemitsu's Requiem, Ligeti's Ramifications, Metastasis by Xenakis, Stravinsky's Concerto in D, and Penderecki's Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima. Heck, why not round up seven cellists for the Messagesquisse of Pierre Boulez or attempt the maze of canons within Moondog's haunting Symphonique No. 3 (Ode to Venus) or team up with Wayne Horvitz (see below)? Also Fri June 9 at 7:30 pm and Sun June 11 at 2 pm. Recital Hall at Benaroya, 200 University St, 292-2787, 7:30 pm, $10–$29.

FRIDAY JUNE 9

MARK SALMAN
Salman's survey of piano sonatas by Franz Schubert (1797–1828) concludes with the epic, valedictory Sonata in B-flat major. Works by Chopin, notably the Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor op. 35, round out the program. University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave NE, 522-0169, 7:30 pm, $10/$20.

SATURDAY JUNE 10

KEITH EISENBREY
A throwback to an age when pianists were composers and improvisers, Eisenbrey plays works by a slew of Seattle composers: Ken Benshoof, Lockrem Johnson, Tom Baker, Doug Palmer, and himself. University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St, 632-5163, 2 pm, $10 suggested donation.

DAVID PAUL MESLER
I regret that most classical composers have ceded songwriting to their pop-music confreres, who generally stick with tried-and-true verse-chorus-verse structures. Set to poems by Whitman, Dickinson, Frost, and other American poets, Mesler's songs blend the best of both genres, coupling the deft word-setting heard in the 20th century's best art song composers (Poulenc, Rorem) with an immediacy born of pop and Broadway. With mezzo-soprano Barbara Hume. Davidson Galleries, 313 Occidental Ave S, 624-1324, 7:30 pm, $10/$15.

ORCHESTRA SEATTLE
Less than a month after Seattle Pro Musica's Mass in B minor, George Shangrow and Co. take on Bach's behemoth. Blessed Sacrament Church, 5050 Eighth Ave NE, 682-5208, 8 pm, $10–$20.

SUNDAY JUNE 11

MERIDIAN ENSEMBLE
Stocked with top-notch musicians including Eric Rynes, Julie Ives, and Jesse Canterbury, this new music outfit performs works by Goldhirsh, Chris Stover, and Takemitsu (Quatrain II) as well as premieres Mark Jurcisin's Litanies. University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St, 632-5163, 7 pm, $10/15.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 14

WAYNE HORVITZ
Hot on the heels of two new discs, Whispers, Hymns, and a Murmur (Tzadik) and Way Out East (Songlines) the keyboardist/composer/improviser discusses his string quartet These Hills of Glory. Rather than do what composers typically do, which is compose a piece, get it premiered, then pray for a second performance, Horvitz cannily lined up multiple gigs, venues, and performers—a model for all composers to consider. Jack Straw Productions, 4261 Roosevelt Way NE, 634-0919, 7:30 pm, free.