We considered not even posting the Classical Music Agenda this week, given how few concerts there are to hear. (Our concert schedule for the month of August at Ionarts is the shortest it’s ever been.) Still, it would be pathetic for this DCist to shirk work this easy, so we promise to keep it short. Basically, it comes down to one of two instruments, cello or organ, and both are free. So, choose your poison.
CELLO:
>> Take a pile of talented young cellists, ask them to play difficult music in front of their idol, one of the best cellists of all time, and make the competition open to the public just to make everyone that much more nervous. Yes, it’s the Rostropovich Cello Competition, and the qualifying tests for this year’s competition (it takes place every four years or so) are this summer (the final competition is in Paris this November). The great man himself, Mstislav Rostropovich, extraordinary cellist and former conductor of our very own National Symphony Orchestra, will chair the jury for the North American competition, held right here in Washington this week. It is not only open to the public but admission is free, at the Embassy of France, La Maison Française (4101 Reservoir Rd. NW), this Tuesday (August 2, from 2 to 6:30 p.m.), Wednesday (August 3, from 2 to 6:30 p.m.), and Thursday (August 4, from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m.). All you need to do is make a reservation, by telephone (202-944-6090) or e-mail (Culturel.WASHINGTON-AMBA@diplomatie.gouv.fr).
ORGAN:
>> The cello is often described as the instrument closest to the expression of the human voice, but the organ is the king of instruments. Which of Washington’s big churches has the biggest organ? Everyone knows that size doesn’t matter: it’s how you use it. There are two important series of free organ recitals in the summer here in Washington. This Sunday (August 7 at 5 p.m.), you could hear talented young organist Anne Horsch (from Grünwald, Germany), at the Aeolian-Skinner great organ of Washington National Cathedral (Wisconsin and Massachusetts Ave. NW). Or on the same evening (August 7 at 6 p.m.), you could go instead to hear Jin Sun Cho, from South Korea, at the Goulding & Wood south gallery organ in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Fourth St. and Michigan Ave. NE). Show up at 5:30 p.m. and listen to a prelude concert on the carillon in the bell tower.
