May 13-19, 2004

musicpicks

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society/ Orchestra 2001

Classical

The recital hall at Curtis, first known as Casimir, then Curtis, and now Field Concert Hall, is mostly revered as a legendary show place for famous pianists. In the early days, giants such as Hofmann, Rachmaninoff, Serkin and Bolet showed off their goods for small, notoriously discerning audiences. Recently, Lang Lang, the hottest young pianist on the market, tried out a program here before his Carnegie Hall debut.

But Curtis has also been a gracious host for local new music, presenting engaging concerts in the past few seasons of music by James Primosch, George Rochberg and George Crumb. This season closes with two separate concerts of music by Philadelphia composers, both newcomers and a veteran. Philip Maneval is best known as the energetic manager of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Music from Marlboro, but he is also a fine composer, possessed of a distinctive voice that expresses thoughtful and beautifully crafted music. This Sunday, his work will be showcased in a mixed program with string quartet, solo piano and baritone. The following week, Orchestra 2001 closes its season with vocal music by five young Philadelphians, as well as music by Debussy, and concluding with the radiant "Poémes pour mi" of Olivier Messiaen.-- Peter Burwasser

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Sun., May 16, 3 p.m., $15, Field Concert Hall, Curtis Institute, 1726 Locust St., 215-569-8080. Orchestra 2001, Sun., May 23, 3 p.m., $10-$30, Field Concert Hall, 215-922-2190.

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