Soprano Mary Elizabeth WilliamsHappy Easter to those of you who celebrate it: once again the holiday puts a limit on the concert schedule, especially early in the week. Here are some good opportunities to experience some music, starting with the free ones.
WE LIKE FREE:
>> Find some spiritual nourishment over your lunch hour on Tuesday (April 6, 12:10 p.m.) with the Noontime Cantata Series presented by members of the Washington Bach Consort. This month it will be Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe, BWV 185, performed at the Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW).
>> The gifted soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams will give a free lunchtime recital on Wednesday (April 7, 12:10 p.m.), as part of the series at St. John’s Lafayette Square, located by the White House.
>> The fabled Juilliard String Quartet returns to its old stomping grounds, the free concert series at the Library of Congress, on Friday night (April 9, 8 p.m.). If you do not have an advance ticket — available for the usual fees at Ticketmaster — you can show up early and wait in line for an unused seat.
>> The Vocal Arts Society’s American music festival reaches its climax on Saturday with a free festival showcase concert this Saturday afternoon (April 10, 2 p.m.): America Sings in the Nation’s Capital in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, led by the outstanding American soprano Patricia Racette and featuring local choirs from Richard Montgomery High School and the Duke Ellington School for the Arts. Call (202) 365-9064 for information about obtaining free tickets for this event, although that is not necessary. Just show up!
