Son of the Concert Roundup

No BSO concert this week, so let’s leap directly into the National Symphony Orchestra’s schedule. They’ve got two!

• Okay, unimportant stuff out of the way first: Shepherd‘s Wanderlust, Messaien‘s Le Réveil des Oiseaux, and Benjamin‘s Duet. Yes, I realize I just called three composers unimportant, but they will not be offended when they consider that the concert concludes with Stravinsky‘s Firebird suite. Yes. May I have this infernal dance? Oliver Knussen conducts, with Peter Serkin on the piano; November 3 through 5. [See it!]
• If you have a small child, or like to be addressed as if you were a small child (you should probably look into why that is), or you like your stuffed animal to accompany you wherever you go (ditto), there will be a family matinee on November 5 aimed at ages 3 to 5. The program includes a variety of kid-friendly pieces, including Baby Elephant Walk and The Swan. Teddy bears are invited. Honest. [See it!]