Marco Maggi, No visual distancing (Blue), 2021. Paper on paper on paper, 36 x 24 in.
Arts Picks: Houston Chamber Choir, Aaron Diehl have our attention
Here are the fine-arts events our critics are looking forward to this week.
Amber Elliott, Andrew Dansby March 18, 2021Updated: March 18, 2021, 11:10 am
1. Houston Chamber Choir
The Grammy-winning Houston Chamber Choir presents an intriguing and far-reaching program titled “A Time to Journey Inward.” One of the pieces performed, “Solitude” by English composer James Whitbourn, will be the composition’s American premiere. Looking toward popular vocal music, the choir will also present a rearranged “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel. And closing the performance will be the “Dona Nobis Pacem” movement of “Mass in B minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach, who with sturdier DNA or alien technology would turn 336 on March 21.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Details: $9.99 for the show, $40 for a season subscription; houstonchamberchoir.org.
Andrew Dansby
2. Aaron Diehl
No matter what Aaron Diehl chooses to play, he does so with a deep knowledge of the form and feel for the music. He’s likely best known for a decade of jazz recordings he’s made and for accompanying star vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant. But he’s also made multiple appearances with the New York Philharmonic. For this livestream show, Diehl presents a fascinating and diverse program, including Mary Lou Williams’ “Zodiac Suite,” Aaron Copland’s “Piano Blues No. 4” and Dick Hyman’s “Etudes for Jazz Piano.”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Details: free, registration required at dacamera.com
Andrew Dansby
3. Bisong Art Gallery
Wayne Bell will give an artist talk about his work “W.A.T.E.R.: What Are the Expectations After Rebirth” next week at an event that also honors gallery owner Carla Bisong, who runs the Bisong Art Gallery. Bisong will be recognized for operating the city’s longest-running, Black, female-owned commercial art gallery by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
When: 5 p.m. Monday
Where: Bisong Art Gallery, 1305 Sterrett; bisonggallery.com
Andrew Dansby
4. Musical Storytellers: Winds of the Houston Symphony
Houston Symphony gives the stage to its woodwind, brass and percussion sections. Under Pops conductor Steven Reineke they will be playing the music of John Williams and more.
When: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Saturday will be livestreamed
Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana
Details: $29-$99; $20 (livestream); houstonsymphony.org
Cary Darling
5. ‘No Visual Distancing Please’
Marco Maggi’s sixth solo show at Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino features nine works created over the past year. “No visual distancing please …” features microscopic detailing and incredibly fine incisions into paper that invite the viewer to take a closer look, representing the closeness — or, lack thereof — brought on by the global pandemic.
When: March 25-May 15
Where: Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino, 1506 W. Alabama; sicardi.com
Amber Elliott