For centuries, music has served as an audible expression of freedom. Yes, for its requirement for performers to be free of nerves and fear to perform perfectly, and definitely for its ability to make even the imprisoned feel free during those rare moments of beauty. But sometimes, music is truly about freedom. For this edition of Soundings: New Music at the Nasher, the focus is clear: Stories of freedom. The Friday show offers two perspectives: First, two vocalists and a pianist will perform Leo Janácek’s The Diary of One Who Disappeared, a sometimes-mysterious and very emotional song cycle based upon poems about a Czech boy who leaves his village to be with a Gypsy girl. For Music of the Book — The Sarajevo Haggadah, composer Merima Kljuco combines accordion, piano and the video art of Bart Woodstrup to convey the story of the Haggadah. A treasured book of prayer telling the amazing story of the Jewish exodus from Egypt, it was smuggled through countries, saved from damage in war, and now resides in the National Museum in Sarajevo. Soundings begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St. Tickets are $25 for non-members, $20 for members or $10 for students and educators. A complimentary wine reception for guests begins at 7 p.m. Visit nashersculpturecenter.org.
Fri., April 4, 7 p.m., 2014