Photo of Plácido Domingo by Alexander Zetlitz

After a very busy month of April, the concert schedule thins out slightly this week. Even so, there are some major events to look forward to and some free concerts to round out the week.

OPERA:
>> Plácido Domingo will retire from the stage eventually, if not this season, and the chance to hear the legendary tenor should not be missed. He will be starring in the Washington National Opera’s new production of Handel’s Tamerlano, along with countertenor David Daniels. It opens this Wednesday (April 30, 7 p.m.), but the only performance with tickets remaining is on May 22.

ORCHESTRAS:
>> Speaking of star power, legendary film composer John Williams will conduct the National Symphony Orchestra this Sunday (May 4, 8:30 p.m.) for the Kennedy Center Spring Gala. The program, a tribute to Hollywood film composers, will be hosted by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets: $20 to $83.

>> The Orchestre National de France will visit Washington tomorrow night (April 28, 8 p.m.), hosted by Washington Performing Arts Society in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. French pianist David Fray will play Beethoven’s second piano concerto, and Kurt Masur will conduct the Bruckner seventh symphony. Tickets: $40 to $90.