With all the theater, opera and dance filling this Spring Theater Preview issue, we can offer only a short edition of Measure for Measure to highlight upcoming important musical events.
Carmen, Chamber Opera Chicago, March 28 and 30. It's a fully staged yet intimate production of Bizet's sweaty, passionate opera, presented with video imagery and Spanish dance courtesy of Flamenco diva Libby Komaiko. Sung in English with chorus, children's chorus and orchestra. Athenaeum Theatre; 312-902-1500 ( Ticketmaster ) or 773-935-6860; $20-$35.
Music of the Isles: Songs from Britain and Ireland, Chicago Chamber Choir, March 30 ( Chicago ) , March 31 ( Evanston ) and April 4 ( Chicago ) . A celebration of music from across the pond, exploring English choral music of Byrd, Purcell, Finzi and Vaughan Williams plus folk songs, ballads, sea shanties, and pub songs of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Three different locations, call for details; 312-409-6890; $20.
The St. Matthew Passion, Music of the Baroque, March 31. Bach's greatest choral work is performed by one of the nation's premier Baroque ensembles, joined by the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus and soloists. Choral forces and double orchestra's are under Jane Glover's masterful baton. You want the Power and the Glory? This is it. Harris Theater; 312-334-7777; $30-$75.
Classical Symphony Orchestra, Sunday Salon Series, April 6. The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs continues its weekend matinee classical music series with an orchestral concert at Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center; 312-744-6630; free ( and arrive early if you want a seat ) .
La Boheme, American Opera Group, April 20, 25, 26. An intimate chamber staging of Puccini's beloved opera of young love and loss, set among painters and poets of 19th-century Paris, sung in English. The Arts Center, 200 N. Oak Park, Oak Park; 708-434-0485; $12-$60.
Sonic Liberation Front, New Millennium/New Music, April 22. Another Dept. of Cultural Affairs series, this one devoted to cutting-edge fusion sounds, such as those of Sonic Liberation Front ( SLF ) which combines free jazz, Afro-Cuban percussion and electronics. SLF takes inspiration from Sun Ra, Albert Ayler and Ornette Coleman, among others. Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center; 312.744.6630; free.
Beethoven, Beethoven and More Beethoven, New Philharmonic Orchestra with Rachel Barton Pine, violin, April 25-26. An all-Beethoven concert featuring Symphony No. 7, an overture and the exquisite Pine as soloist in the Violin Concerto in D Major. You don't want to miss this one. McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn; 630-942-4000; $33.