We always tell you where the free concerts are, but just because a concert is free does not mean that it will be good. This week, we are leading with the free concerts because they are so good. Other than the free stuff, there is so much to hear, we have selected a few options from what is less expensive, not sold out, and likely to be good.
FREE, FREE, FREE:
>> The Washington Bach Consort gives an excellent free Noontime Cantata Series on the first Tuesday of most months. This Tuesday (February 6, 12:10 p.m.), members of the group will perform Bach’s cantata Komm, du süße Todesstunde (BWV 161), and Eric Plutz will play Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor (BWV 537). Take your lunch hour at the Church of the Epiphany (13th and G St. NW).
>> On Sunday (February 11, 6:30 p.m.), pianist Till Fellner will give a free recital at the National Gallery of Art, playing music by J. S. Bach, Beethoven, Kurtág, and Schubert. Enter through the Constitution Ave. entrance of the West Building, at 6th St. NW.
>> Another pianist, Terrence Wilson, will give a free recital on Sunday (February 11, 4 p.m.) at the National Academy of Sciences (2100 C St. NW). His program features Samuel Barber’s piano sonata, op. 26.
>> At the same time (February 11, 4 p.m.), Philip Cave’s new vocal group, Accordia, will give a concert called Orpheus and his Lute at the Phillips Collection. You have to pay to get in the museum, but the concert is free.
TUESDAY:
>> Members of the Garth Newel Piano Quartet will give a program called Appreciating Chamber Music through Performance, based on Beethoven’s Archduke Trio, at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. (February 6, 7 p.m.; $20)
THURSDAY:
>> The National Symphony Orchestra’s program this week is devoted entirely to the music of Felix Mendelssohn, conducted by principal guest conductor Iván Fischer. His last appearance with the NSO was widely admired. (February 8 and 9, 7 p.m.; February 10, 8 p.m.)
>> It’s more Shakespeare songs this week with a recital by mezzo-soprano Susan Bickley and baritone Stephan Loges, with pianist Roger Vignoles, in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. (February 8, 7:30 p.m.; $38.50)
