Smithsonian Chamber Players

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Mozart and Schubert…two brief lives whose unique vision and groundbreaking sonorities changed music forever. Be moved by their passion, savor the sublime beauty they created.

Reception from 7:00-7:45 p.m. in Stude Concert Hall.

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Sparks fly as Rebel creates alchemy on stage with concerti by the fiery red priest of Venice—Antonio Vivaldi—and rare gems by lesser known composers unearthed from hidden manuscripts and now allowed to shine again.

7:00 p.m., Duncan Recital Hall, Rice University

From the splendors of the Renaissance to the exuberant richness of the baroque—discover the magnificence that is Italy in a richly illustrated tour of its art and architecture by art historian Dr. Manca.

Co-Sponsored by the Religion & Arts Council, Christ Church Cathedral

Our yearly holiday ornament—welcome the Yuletide season at a spirited Mediterranean Provençal/gypsy fête. The festive sounds of strings, percussion, and voices celebrate this most special time of year. Free admission for children under twelve.

See Terra Nova Website  http://www.terranovaconsort.com/ 

Voices raised in radiant harmony and praise, voices that were threatened by authorities, voices that refused to be silenced… Hear the joyous outpouring of their love for God in an evening of liturgical music from 17^th century Italian convents.

7:00 p.m., St. Anne

For centuries, the gardens of monasteries and convents nurtured the spirit, healed the sick and preserved knowledge of herbology and botany. This illustrated lecture explores the medieval origins of places of repose, refuge and healing and their continuation into the present time.

Co-sponsored by Guitar Houston and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

A sparkling evening of music, art, and wine—the good life, indeed! Sensual guitar serenades from the 19^th century at an intimate concert with a tour of Italian art and a tasting of Italian wines celebrate La Bella Vita.

6:30 p.m., Tour - The Museum of Fine Art, Houston

7:15 p.m., Wine Tasting

Sample the pleasures of Italian art and wine through a walking tour of the art of Italy from the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston culminating in a tasting of Italian wines

Co-Sponsored by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The intense devotional and liturgical music of the Mexican baroque, a unique fusion of many cultures, is brought to blazing life in a brilliant array of song, dance and instrumental harmonies.

7:00 p.m., St. Anne

Take a slide tour of the exhibit "Splendors of Vice Regal Mexico" at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston which reveals the glories of 15th- to 18th-century Mexico.

Cosponsored by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Unlock a treasure chest filled with glistening melodic jewels of 15^th- to 18^th-century Mexico. Introduce your family to the richness of the cultures which formed Mexico at a twenty-minute concert at either 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Then see the art and artifacts from this period by touring the exhibit "Splendors of Vice Regal Mexico." Admission to concert is free with admission to museum.

Please note - this concert is not part of the season package.

PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FREIBURG BAROQUE ORCHESTRA HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR A DIFFERENT LOCATION AND DATE.  WE SINCERELY REGRET ANY INCONVENIENCE THAT THIS CHANGE CAUSES OUR PATRONS. ALL TICKETS TO THE ORIGINAL DATE AND LOCATION  WILL BE HONORED.

Freiburg Baroque Orchestra with Emma Kirkby

In cooperation with The American Bach Society and Moores School of Music

Two great titans of music—Bach and Handel—are brought to vivid life by electrifying performances by two of the international stars of the early music arena: the phenomenal Freiburg Baroque Orchestra and the incomparable Emma Kirkby. We’ve brought them back for you because of overwhelming demand. Don’t miss this stellar evening!

7:00 p.m.

A priceless manuscript collection disappears during wartime, whom do you call? Internationally esteemed Bach scholar, Dr. Christoph Wolff details how he found the famous Sing-Akademie archive after years of detective work.