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 Austrian Embassy on Tuesday (September 19, 8 p.m.) called The Joy of Toy. That title refers to the fact that she will perform pieces written for toy piano, including a famous piece by John Cage, which she recorded in 2005. She will also sing and play the traditional piano. I am not sure quite what to expect. A reservation is required: call (202) 895-6776.

>> On Thursday (September 21, 7 p.m.), pianist Natasa Mitrovic and soprano Ellie Valkenburg will give a lecture on and performance of music by contemporary Serbian and American composers. This event will be held at the International Finance Corporation Cultural Center (2121 Pennsylvania Ave. NW). For more information, call (202) 458-2884.