Múm is the latest in what seems to be a global trend of acts that believe the bigger the band, and the more unusual the instrumentation, the better. Though only two original members of the group remain, Gunnar Örn Tynes and Örvar óreyjarson Smárason, there were seven musicians on stage during last night’s concert at the historic 6th and I Synagogue. The ensemble employed the following instruments over the course of the show: guitar, bass,…

>> If Billie Holiday and Björk had a love child, Grazyna Auguscik would be the result. Combining a thorough knowledge of traditional jazz with the sparse and ethereal qualities of traditional northern European music, this singer/composer comes to Blues Alley tonight for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets available here. $20 + $10 food/drink minimum. >> This Thursday, legendary pianist/keyboardist/composer George Duke begins a four night stand at Blues Alley. This gentleman has played…

This week, Phillyist saw the waters of a landmark fountain run red for a Showtime marketing stunt, the Phils pull ahead, and some serious nostalgia. They also got a chance to review an awesome tribute album, reminded folks to see the King, and appreciated their beautiful skyline. Chicagoist knows what it’s like to like the Cubs. But naming your kid Wrigley Fields? At least they can breathe a little easier now that Grossman’s out and…

Everyone needs a vacation, even musicians, and the summer is quite naturally a time that the classical music world slows down. So this is it for your Classical Music Agenda, until August. This week’s installment will be a little longer than normal, because there are several interesting things happening over the next couple months. If you want to hear some music this summer, you can, and here’s where. HEADLINES: >> The most important classical music…

Hopes are high for the Baltimore Symphony and Marin Alsop, the first woman to be appointed Music Director of a major American orchestra. Last night at Strathmore, Washington got a taste of the adventurous programming we may expect from Alsop, who has made a name conducting contemporary music, especially by American composers. In a brief introduction to this program devoted to the music of Philip Glass, born in Baltimore 70 years ago this year, Alsop…

When we get to the busiest part of the classical music season, there is at least one worthy event, sometimes more than one, for every night of the week. No one is complaining, since we like to have concerts to hear, but it does require careful scheduling. WEDNESDAY: >> There is no question that, this Wednesday evening (February 21, 8 p.m.), the hottest classical ticket will be a free one. The Venice Baroque Orchestra, directed…

With over a dozen dancers, three programs and two well-know composers, the Washington Ballet offered a compelling night of dance this past weekend at the Kennedy Center. The troupe displayed their versatility, presenting performances of wildly different styles. Starting the performance was Jerome Robbins’ In the Night, a set of romantic pas de deuxs scored to a few Chopin nocturnes. Robbins is best known for his inventive choreography in the film version of West Side…

As you know from reading last week’s Classical Music Agenda, we are at the beginning of a Mozart Year, with the 250th anniversary of the great Austrian composer’s birth approaching on January 27. If you set foot in a classical concert in the next couple months, chances are good that you will hear Mozart. Considering the number of concerts we attend, Mozart fatigue could set in early. Not to worry, as there is still enough…