Summer is almost here, and that means it is almost time to roll up the carpets and send the Classical Music Agenda on vacation. So enjoy the music while you can. In particular, this is the last week to take in a performance of the best production from Washington National Opera this season, Janáček's Jenůfa. My review called this opera "essential viewing for anyone who cares about music drama." Performances remain only on Monday (May... more ›

On June 4, 1938, Sigmund Freud fled his home in Vienna after the Nazis arrested and interrogated his daughter, Anna, for five hours. As a Jew, Freud probably would have escaped earlier if not for his ill health (he was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw and palate in 1922). But it also would have been hard for him to leave his home of 50 years, where he practiced and made his couch famous (pictured). Freud would die later that year in London. more ›

In last week's agenda, I led with picks for modern and contemporary music (some reviews to come this week), and I am happy to do so again this week. September seems to be the month for hearing classical music composed in the 20th and 21st centuries, so get out there and listen, Washingtonians. NEW, SOMETIMES STRANGE: >> Modernist composers often write for new and unconventional instruments. Isabel Ettenauer will give a free concert at the... more ›