At this point in December, holiday concerts and Handel’s Messiah have completely hijacked the classical music schedule. Here are a few other events, not all of which avoid the spirit of the season. After this post, the Classical Music Agenda will take its end-of-the-year hiatus, to return in the New Year.
>> On Tuesday, the final concert sponsored by Washington Performing Arts Society this calendar year features young violist Jennifer Stumm and Finghin Collins at the piano. In 2006, Stumm (pictured) was the first violist ever to win the Concert Artists Guild International Competition. The program is an alluring combination of 19th- and 20th-century pieces, by Schumann, Bright Sheng, Brahms, Britten, and Clarke. Tickets: $32. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater (December 18, 7:30 p.m.)
>> Of several local performances this season of J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, the best one is likely to be this week. A chamber ensemble made up of members of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s will visit Washington for a two-concert engagement on Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets: $50. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater (December 19, 7:30 p.m.; December 20, 7:30 p.m.)
>> Tomorrow night, there is a curious but free concert at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE). The Russian Ministry of Defense Symphony Orchestra, the Choir of the National Tretyakov Art Gallery, and other choral groups will perform the world premiere of a new Christmas Oratorio by Hilarion Alfeyev, a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. (December 17, 7:30 p.m.)
>> One other free concert this week is also a Christmas Concert, at the Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW) by the church’s choir. (December 18, 12:10 p.m.)
