Harp with electronics
For the past four years harpist Milana Zarić has been collaborating with Richard Barrett, who specializes in the creation of electronically synthesized music. The pair bring their unique sound world for a recital featuring other local composers and improvisers. (7:30 p.m. Wed., Lloyd Ultan Recital Hall, University of Minnesota, Mpls., free, events.umn.edu)
American feast
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra's programming seems incapable of dullness and predictability these days. They hit the sweet spot yet again with this fascinatingly eclectic Thanksgiving weekend concert featuring music by American composers. Copland's wonderful music for the pioneer ballet "Appalachian Spring" provides the feel-good factor, but its familiarity is leavened with pieces by William Bolcom, Kevin Puts and John Corigliano, for a variety of instrumental combinations including string quartet, five violins, solo clarinet and chamber orchestra. An ideal way to make the holiday weekend special. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; $12-$50, 651-291-1144 or thespco.org)
Appetizing combos
One of the best things about the Minnesota Orchestra's Chamber Music in the Target Atrium series is how it packages pieces for varying combinations of instruments into single programs. The latest recital is an excellent example. It features Janáček's "Mládí" (or "Youth"), a joyful, burbling sextet for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon and bass clarinet, along with Stravinsky's Pastorale for violin, horn and wind trio. Also featured is Beethoven's greatest piano trio, the "Archduke." (4:30 p.m. Sun., Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $12-$32, 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org)
'Land of Three Faiths'
The Rose Ensemble explores the fascinating interface between Western classical and Arab music of the Middle Ages. The St. Paul vocal group will perform songs, chants and dances representing Judaic, Christian and Islamic traditions. (6:30 p.m. Sun., Landmark Center, St. Paul, free, roseensemble.org)
Marches for fun (and free peanuts)
The 1st John Philip Sousa Memorial Band majors in the music of the American marchmeister and his contemporaries. The band's conductor, Scott Crosbie, puts together colorful programs with irrepressible joie de vivre. Free peanuts served. (7 p.m. Sun., Edinborough Park Amphitheater, Edina, free, sousaband.net)
TERRY BLAIN
