Composer Portrait: Tim Berne

Fri.-Sat., Dec. 11-12, 8 p.m., $15, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., arsnovaworkshop.org.

by Shaun Brady

jazz

Alto saxophonist Tim Berne's compositional aspect can only be described as expansive, both in content — his pieces tend toward sprawling, epic-length creatures that seem to evolve by the sheer force of improvisation — and in scope. Ars Nova Workshop celebrates that output over two nights, showcasing Berne's long-running trio, Big Satan, and his new septet, Adobe Probe; the composer and guitarist Marc Ducret joining NY's Collide Saxophone Quartet for two works; a solo piece performed by pianist Matt Mitchell; and a conversation between NY Times jazz critic Nate Chinen and artist Steve Byram, who has long lent Berne's releases their distinctive look.

Fri.-Sat., Dec. 11-12, 8 p.m., $15, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., arsnovaworkshop.org.