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 ›

December is the month when the classical music concert schedule gets hijacked by that yearly plague, the Christmas Concert, and its politically correct counterpart, the Holiday Concert. Later this week, we'll be bringing you a special roundup of musical opportunities to get yourself in the Spirit of the Season, so the pickings in the weekly agenda are going to get slimmer from now through New Year's. FREE CONCERTS: >> Who doesn't need to save money... more ›

There is little doubt about the major event in classical music this week in Washington. On Tuesday (April 4, 8 p.m.) renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will play a recital in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Not only that, but he will be playing three of the solo cello suites by J. S. Bach, works with which he is widely identified, to the point that when he appeared on The West Wing, he was playing one... more ›

Now that the Mozart celebrations have really begun, our classical music listening opportunities are going to multiply out of control. Hang on tight, dear readers, because February is going to be busy. We will be here every Sunday to offer some guidance. As always, if you want the whole story, head over to our Classical Week in Washington feature at Ionarts. FREE CONCERTS: >> All of the regular free concert series in Washington are now... more ›

For most of us, this week will be a blur of travel, family, and tryptophan-induced holiday napping. However, if you find yourself in Washington this week, you may be surprised to learn that there will be some classical concerts for you to attend, even over the weekend, although nothing on Turkey Day itself. Hey, musicians need to have holidays, too, and this one is the last rest most of us will get before the crazed season of Christmas and winter holiday concerts sets in. more ›

This DCist loves opera, but we understand that it is not for everyone and that the cost can be prohibitive. If your mood turns operatic, however, it's a good month for you. This is the final week for Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, with sold-out performances on Tuesday (November 15, 7:30 p.m.), Friday (November 18, 7:30 p.m.), and Saturday (November 19, 7 p.m.). If you still want to... more ›

We have been plugging the excellent production of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess all week, and it is worth your time and effort to see it, as we did this past Wednesday. However, all remaining performances have apparently been sold out. This means that your best and only remaining chance to experience this great American opera will be later today, when a live simulcast from the Kennedy Center Opera House will be shown on a huge... more ›

All this month, the Kennedy Center is hosting the Festival of China, with a full schedule of concerts, exhibits, and other events. Although many do not really fall under the rubric of our Classical Music Agenda, we are leading off our suggestions for you with Chinese concerts. FESTIVAL OF CHINA: >> There are some interesting dance companies performing at the Kennedy Center this week, beginning with the National Ballet of China, in the Kennedy Center's... more ›

We are moving the Classical Music Agenda so that it appears on Sundays instead of Mondays, when it was giving you all information overload by appearing too close to the more popular Weekly Music Agenda. This makes much more sense in planning your classical week, so we have moved the more complete Classical Week in Washington feature at Ionarts to Sundays, too. The change makes little difference in the month of July, when the Washington concert scene is disturbingly uncluttered with good things to hear. Worry not, dear reader, this DCist has combed the calendar carefully to bring you the best opportunities we can. more ›

Classical Music Agenda by DCist contributor Charles T. Downey of Ionarts If you have not done your civic duty and Taken a Friend to the Orchestra yet this month, Washington is not the place to try to make that happen in late May. We don't have much to suggest for your classical listening pleasure this week, but you can keep yourself informed by following our Classical Week in Washington column at Ionarts. FREE CONCERTS: >>... more ›

(Classical music agenda by DCist contributor Charles T. Downey of Ionarts) Having done this agenda a couple times as a bimonthly column, we feel like we don't talk to you people regularly enough. Some readers have wondered why DCist is covering classical music, but we also know that other readers have gone to concerts suggested here and rediscovered a latent interest in things classical. Therefore, we resolve to give you a look at the concerts... more ›