This is another one of those weeks, when devoted classical listeners could be in one hall or another every night of the week. Enjoy it while you can, as the summer is almost here and with it far fewer concerts to hear.
ESSENTIAL:
>> A concert by French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard is an event to be cherished, and this week he will play twice in Washington. The first occasion is a solo recital at the Embassy of France, La Maison Française (4101 Reservoir Rd. NW). The program is described as a kaleidoscope, combining excerpts by a large number of composers, especially from the 20th century, one of Aimard’s specialties. Tickets: $20. May 7, 7:30 p.m.
>> Pierre-Laurent Aimard will be back at La Maison Française on Tuesday night, in a concert of contemporary chamber music. He will be joined by Daniel Ciampolini (percussion), Tamara Stefanovich (piano), and Joseph Gramley (percussion). Tickets: $20. May 8, 7:30 p.m.
>> On Wednesday, the feast of contemporary chamber music continues, with the third and final installment of the Musicians from Marlboro series at the Freer Gallery of Art. Young musicians from the Marlboro Festival join with Arnold Steinhardt, violinist of the Guarneri Quartet, for Shostakovich’s 8th string quartet. Selections by Mozart and Dvořák round out the program. Did we mention that this concert is free? May 9, 7:30 p.m.
>> The latest piano recital offered by Washington Performing Arts Society is on Friday. Israeli pianist Yefim Bronfman will play a concert in the Music Center at Strathmore. The best part of the program is Ravel’s challenging Gaspard de la Nuit. Tickets remain from $25 to $75. May 11, 8 p.m.
>> Performances of Janáček’s extraordinary opera Jenůfa continue this week from Washington National Opera (May 10, 7:30 p.m.; May 13, 2 p.m.). Also opening on Saturday night is the company’s final production of the season, Verdi’s Macbeth. You guessed it, this is part of the Shakespeare in Washington Festival. It’s the earliest and weakest of Verdi’s three Shakespeare operas, but it has some nice moments, not least in the memorable characterization of Lady Macbeth. The role will be sung here by Paoletta Marrocu, who was a strong presence in Andrea Chénier in 2004. May 12, 7 p.m.
>> Finally, after what is being described as a memorable appearance with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra this week, violinist Leila Josefowicz will play a solo recital next weekend, at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville. Tickets: $47 (under 30 years old, $15). May 12, 9 p.m.; May 13, 7:30 p.m.
Photo of Pierre-Laurent Aimard by Guy Vivien
