The 2009-2010 Concerts from the Library of Congress series offers 32 concerts, three film series and 25 lectures by notable scholars, scientists and other experts. From medieval music to jazz, the series offers something for everyone.
The centerpiece of the 84th concert seasons is a definitive look at the intimate art of the string quartet, with the presentation of two new works for string quartet from Caleb Burhans and Ezequiel Viñao.
Capping the Library’s year-long Mendelssohn Bicentenary celebration in 2009, two fall concerts explore the composer’s original conception for two landmark works—his op. 20 Octet and the op. 49 piano trio. Marking the 200th anniversary of Robert Schumann’s birth in 2010 are concerts presenting the complete Schumann piano trios, as well as a seldom-heard trio by Clara Schumann.
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts will be held at 8 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium, located on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. All pre-concert lectures will be held at 6:15 p.m. in the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Left: In April 2010, the Henschel Quartet bring their talents to the Library. Right: The Vienna Piano Trio performs in March 2010.
Founded in 1925 by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, the Library’s concert series is presented free of charge but requires tickets for admission. Tickets are distributed by TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com ). Although all tickets may be spoken for, there are often empty seats at concert time. Staff and interested patrons are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. on concert nights to wait in the standby line for no-show tickets. For a complete schedule of the 2009-2010 concert season, visit the Library’s website at www.loc.gov/rr/perform/concert/.
