Leipzig String QuartetWhenever the best concerts also happen to be free concerts, which is the case again this week, it’s a good thing. Most of the top options this week are chamber music.
HEADLINES:
>> Any time that the Leipzig String Quartet comes to town, as in their last visit for a Beethoven birthday concert, they are worth hearing. For their free concert this Wednesday at the Freer Gallery of Art (March 11, 7:30 p.m.), the group will play an Asian-themed program of music by Takemitsu, Hosokawa, Tan Dun, and John Cage. If you do not arrange a ticket in advance, show up early to claim an unused seat.
>> For my money the Leipzig Quartet’s concert is a choice far superior to the appearance of the Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma the same evening (March 11, 8 p.m.) in the Music Center at Strathmore, sponsored by Washington Performing Arts Society, and not only because of the difference in price. Both concerts explore the intersection of Asian and European music.
>> Those who have heard the Quatuor Ébène on their previous visits to Washington will not want to miss the group’s free concert on Friday (March 13, 8 p.m.) at the Library of Congress. If they are new to you, it is hard to imagine a better program in which to hear these winners of the 2004 ARD Competition in Munich. These quintessentially French quartets by Debussy, Fauré, and Ravel are featured on their new CD from Virgin.
>> How unfortunate to have to choose between the Quatuor Ébène and the recital by cellist Steven Isserlis the same evening (March 13, 8 p.m.) at the Clarice Smith Center. Pianist Connie Shih will accompany in works by Mendelssohn, Schumann, Janáček, and Martinů. Tickets: $35 (students, $7).
