Network for New Music/Michael Mizrahi

Network for New Music, Sun., Nov. 11, 3 p.m., $20, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 215-848-7647, networkfornewmusic.org; Michael Mizrahi, piano, Sun., Nov. 11, 3 p.m., $5-$16, Trinity Center, 2212 Spruce St., 215-735-6999, astralartisticservices.org.

by Peter Burwasser

classical

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

New-music aficionados have a dilemma this Sunday. Network for New Music will present a new version of a very winning programming concept of a couple of seasons ago, with a series of shorter pieces for solo players. This departure from their usual ensemble approach tends to make for a lively, fun event, with quite a bit more showiness from these superb musicians (most of them also members of the Philadelphia Orchestra). There will be solid representation from the excellent Philadelphia composer community, writing specifically for the performers, as well as works from new music standouts Osvaldo Golijov, Roberto Sierra and David Rakowski. The performers will briefly discuss the music they have chosen.

At the very same time, Astral Concerts — a presenter that is programming more and more new music — offers the local debut of pianist Michael Mizrahi, in an invigorating selection of modern classics and two world premières. Three wonderful 20th-century masterpieces will be heard: the Berg Piano Sonata, Copland's Piano Variations and the immensely exciting and highly influential Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion of Bela Bartók. Mizrahi is tossing in a splash of Beethoven, as well.

Network for New Music, Sun., Nov. 11, 3 p.m., $20, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 215-848-7647, networkfornewmusic.org; Michael Mizrahi, piano, Sun., Nov. 11, 3 p.m., $5-$16, Trinity Center, 2212 Spruce St., 215-735-6999, astralartisticservices.org.