Events, December, 2001 ART Dec. 3 to Dec. 14 Third Annual OAS/PAHO Exhibit Diplomatic art! A variety of works by the diplomatic corps and staff of the Organization of American States and Pan American Health Organization is on display. Admission is free. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. General Secretariat Building 1889 F St., NW, 5th Floor (202) 458-3000 Dec. 3 to Dec. 16 Norwegian Christmas at Union StationóSki Exhibit Norwayís gift to the United States this year is a stunning ski exhibit that examines the 4,000-year history of the sport in the Nordic country. Admission is free. Open daily, 12 a.m.-12 p.m. Union Station, Main Hall 40 Massachusetts Ave., NE (202) 289-1908 Through Dec. 7 A Stroll Through Spain This exhibit features photographs by Stephen J. Scott of bull-fighting scenes, awe-inspiring landscapes and other images taken in Spain. Please call for more information. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Embassy of Spain 2375 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 728-2334 Dec. 9 to Oct. 27 The Potterís Brush: The Kenzan Style in Japanese Ceramics For the next year the Freer focuses on legendary Japanese ceramic artist Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) and his work in the largest such collection outside of Japan. Admission is free. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., closed Dec. 25 Freer Gallery of Art Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Dec. 10 to Feb. 6 Ibero-American Art Salon The theme of this exhibit is contemporary portraits and paintings by Latin American and Spanish artists. Representing Mexico will be renowned painter Victor Rodriguez. Admission is free. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mexican Cultural Institute 2829 16th St., NW (202) 728-1628 Dec. 16 to May 5 Visual Poetry: Paintings and Drawings from Iran Exquisite single folios of paintings, drawings and poetry from 16th and 17th-century Iran are on view in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Admission is free. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., closed Dec. 25 Sackler Gallery of Art 1050 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through Dec. 19 Armenian Rugs The Embassy of Armenia proudly presents this exhibit of rare Armenian rugs reflecting a rich heritage spanning nearly 3,000 years. Please c all for more information. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia 2225 R St., NW (202) 319-1976 Through Dec. 21 Les Vies Silencieuses: Paintings by Thierry Fardeau Thierry Fardeauís work spans Italian gardens, snow-covered mountains to the jeweled ottomans and silks of China. Appointment required except during cultural events. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 944-6091 Through Dec. 30 Polar Extremes: Art from Frozen Places Iceland: Land of The Vikings These two exhibitions focusing on lands to the far north and south showcase prints by Inuit artist Jessie Oonark, watercolors by Alan Campbell and photographs by Icelandic photographer P·ll Stef·nsson. Admission is free. Wed.-Sun., 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 Meridian International Center White-Meyer Galleries 1624 Crescent Place, NW (202) 667-6800 Through Jan. 5 Northern Renaissance Painted Prints More than 100 works from some of the worldís most prominent museums are on display in this extensive exploration of hand-colored prints from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Admission is $7 for the general public, $5 for students and seniors and free for BMA members and children 18 and under. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Baltimore Museum of Art 10 Art Museum Drive Baltimore, Md. (410) 396-7100 Through Jan. 6 Encounters with the Contemporary This exhibition highlights the rich history and continuing vitality of modern art in Africa. Admission is free. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. National Museum of African Art Sylvia H. Williams Gallery 950 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Through Jan. 11 In the World of Mr. Pehrson This display showcases the surreal paintings and prints by renowned Swedish artist Karl Axel Pehrson. Please call for more information. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Embassy of Sweden 1501 M St., NW (202) 467-2642 Through Jan. 11 Trudeau Remembered Described as a "pop-star prime minister," Pierre Elliot Trudeau was one of the most intriguing public figures in Canadian politics. Award-winning photographer Peter Bregg gives a rare glimpse into the life of the influential politician. Admission is free. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Canada 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 682-1740 Through Jan. 13 Aelbert Cuyp Using techniques favored by 17th-century Italian artists, Dutch artist Aelbert Cuyp created striking paintings, portraits and drawings. Admission is free. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. National Gallery of Art Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 Through Jan. 13 Juan MuÒoz Juan MuÒoz, a highly regarded contemporary sculptor, died unexpectedly this past August of an aneurysm. Nearly 60 of his works are on display in this retrospective. Admission is free. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, NW (202) 357-3030 Through Jan. 27 Henry Moore The enormous maquettes, plasters and drawingsósome life-sizeóin the "Henry Moore" exhibit reveal the sculptorís unique style. Admission is free. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. National Gallery of Art, East Building Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW (202) 737-4215 Through Feb. 15 Harry Weber: A Retrospective Vienna-born Harry Weberís photography is on display to commemorate the artistís 80th birthday. Weber was the chief of photography at the Vienna branch of Verlag Gruner and Jahr since 1967 and freelanced for a wide range of publications. Admission is free. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Court, NW (202) 895-6776 Through Feb. 18 DirectionsóMarina Abramovic¥ This exhibition marks the first public showing of "The Hero, 2001," a new work by Amsterdam-based artist Marina Abramovic¥ to honor her late father, a Yugoslav national hero. Admission is free. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Through Feb. 24 From the Amu Darya to the Potomac The Textile Museum presents rarely displayed woven bags revealing the skill and artistry of Central Asia. Admission is free; suggested fee for non-members is $5. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. The Textile Museum 2320 S St., NW (202) 667-0441 Through April 28 Skyscrapers: The New Millennium This exhibition examines more than 30 spectacular high-rise buildings worldwide including the newly finished Jin Mao Building in Shanghai and the Sony Center in Berlinís historic Potsdamer Platz. Admission is $5 for the general public and $3 for students and seniors. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Octagon Museum 1799 New York Ave., NW (202) 638-3105 Through May 31 Margaret Mead: Human Nature and the Power of Culture With more than 500,000 items, this collection explores noted anthropologist Margaret Meadís fieldwork and the anthropological issues she encountered in places such as Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Bali. Admission is free. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The Library of Congress 101 Independence Ave., SE (202) 707-2905 DANCE Dec. 7 Dana Tai Soon Burgessí Trilogy Noted choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess weaves Indian and Chinese classical dance with traditional Middle Eastern movements to probe the different relationships between Eastern and Western cultures. Tickets are $22 to $35. Fri., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Dec. 23 Dance Institute of Washington Students will perform a wide array of selections reflecting the spirit and history of Kwanzaa. Admission is free. Sun., 6 p.m. The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 FESTIVALS & TOURS Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 Norweg ian Bazaar Shop around for holiday ornaments, pewter, sweater and traditional Norwegian cookies and cakes from authentic Norwegian vendors. Admission is free. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Union StationóMain Hall 40 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 289-1908 Dec. 6 Festive Evening at the Embassy of Poland The ambassador of Poland opens his embassy for a lovely pre-holiday event that includes a concert of splendid Polish music by soprano Laura Kafka and a Polish reception. Tickets are $45 for the public and $35 for Corcoran members. Thu., 6:30 p.m. Embassy of Poland 2640 16th St., NW (202) 639-1770 Through Dec. 9 DC 7th International Improvisation Festival This festival brings together Washington, D.C.-based, national and international dancers, musicians and performers for two weekends of electrifying performances and classes. This yearís festival spotlights artists from South America. Please call for specific times, locations and ticket prices for the individual events. (301) 589-7980 Dec. 16 Taste of Norway Tantalize your taste buds with samples of Norwegian food ranging from holiday meats to cookies. Admission is free. Sun., 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Union StationóMain Hall 40 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 289-1908 Dec. 22 Clarendon Tours Tour the culinary and cultural diversity of revitalized Clarendon, Va. Sponsored by the Smithsonian Associates and hosted by owners and chefs, participants get to taste prepared samples from Mexicali Blues, Whitlows on Wilson and Nam-Viet and listen to anecdotes about each restaurant. Tickets are $48. Pre-registration is required. Tours meet outside the Clarendon Metro Station on the Orange Line. Sat., 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Clarendon Metro Arlington, Va. (202) 357-3030 LECTURES Dec. 1 Ancient Sichuanís Art Treasures In this all-day seminar, scholars present the latest archaeological finds from the western province of Sichuan, an ancient Chinese city. Tickets are $125 for the public and $80 for members. Sat., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr., SW (202) 357-3030. Dec. 1 Folktales about The Harvest Learn more about Kwanzaa with Peter Pipim, education specialist at the National Museum of African Art, as he shares fascinating tales about the harvest season in Africa. Admission is free. Sat., 2 p.m. National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave., SW (202) 357-2700 Dec. 3 The Articulate Vase Discover how ancient Greek vases, especially those fashioned in Athens, reveal the life of the ancient city in this insightful lecture. Tickets are $14 for the public and $10 for Corcoran members. Mon., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1700 Dec. 10 Vanishing Histories From Baroque palace gardens in Vienna to an ancient city in the central Asian desert, Colin Amery, co-author of "Vanishing Histories," takes audiences on a trip to different endangered sites worldwide. A book signing and reception follow. Tickets are $16 for the public and $12 for Corcoran members. Mon., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1700 Dec. 11 Isabel Cutler Internationally renowned photographer Isabel Cutler discusses her new book, "Mysteries of the Desert: A View of Saudi Arabia." Admission is free. Tue., 7 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Dec. 17 Bernard Lewis Author Bernard Lewis reads excerpts from his book, "Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew Poems." Admission is free. Mon., 7 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 MUSIC Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 Le Nozze di Figaro The School of Music Maryland Opera Studio presents Mozartís timeless comic masterpiece in the schoolís first opera production. Tickets are $20. University of Maryland Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS Dec. 2 Opera Diaspora The newly formed Opera Diaspora presents rare 19th-century performances of "British Royalty in Opera." The company seeks to introduce distinguished artists who hail from the diverse regions of the African Diaspora. Tickets are$15. Sun., 6 p.m. Church of the Annunciation 3810 Massachusetts Ave., NW (301) 699-7534 Dec. 5 From Vienna to Hollywood: A Tribute to the Music of Walter Jurmann Musicians honor Austrian-born composer Walter Jurmann and the legacy of songs he wrote for such film classics as "San Francisco," "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Everybody Sing" for a young Judy Garland. Please call for reservations. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Court, NW (202) 895-6776 Dec. 6 Norwegian Visions Norwegian artists, including Sissell Kyrkjebo Skoller, vocalist for the film "Titanic," and the Oslo Gospel Choir, fuse their contemporary melodies under the auspices of the Royal Embassy of Norway. Tickets are $25. Thu., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 Marlene: 100 Years German-born chanteuse Karen Kohler recreates some of Marlene Dietrichís greatest songs in this exciting cabaret-style performance. Tickets are $40. Thu. and Fri., 8 p.m. Embassy of Germany 4645 Reservoir Road, NW (202) 625-2361 Dec. 6 and Dec. 8 Enrico Gatti and the Ensemble Aurora Considered among Europeís finest virtuoso baroque ensembles, Enrico Gatti and the Ensemble Aurora perform two different concerts of rare 18th century Italian pieces. Reservations are required. Thu., 6:30 p.m. Inter-American Development Bank 1300 New York Ave., NW (202) 623-3774 Sat., 8 p.m. Library of Congress Jefferson Building 101 Independence Ave., SE (202) 707-5502 Dec. 7 Eddie Palmieri Join five-time Grammy Award-winner Eddie Palmieri for his smooth blend of Latin salsa, piano, bomba and jazz. Tickets are $27. Fri., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center< br> Terrace Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Dec. 8 Kirov Orchestra Enjoy a spectacular performance by one of Russiaís most respected musical institutions dating back to the 18th century during the reign of Peter the Great. Tickets are $30 to $75. Sat., 4 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 Salzburg Marionettes The New York Times hailed the Salzburg Marionettes as "the most perfect performance of The Magic Flute ever seen." Saturdayís show features Mozartís "The Magic Flute" and Sundayís show features "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss. Tickets are $35. University of Maryland Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center College Park, Md. (301) 405-ARTS Dec. 8, Dec. 9 and Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 A Celtic Christmas The Barnes and Hampton Celtic Consort pays homage to the Celtic tradition in a concert that will whisk audiences away to the Emerald Isle. Tickets are $26. Thu., 7 p.m., Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun., 4 p.m. Dumbarton Concerts 3133 Dumbarton St., NW (202) 965-2000 Dec. 9 Navidad! A Christmas Gift of Peace Coral Cantigas, Washingtonís Latin American chamber choir, invites audiences to enjoy traditional Christmas carols from Peru to the Dominican Republic. Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for students and seniors. Sun., 5 p.m. 8300 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, Md. (301) 816-2314 Dec. 14 Amir Koushkani and Eyvind Kang Persian classical music specialist Amir Koushkani is joined by experimental music violist Eyvind Kang for a distinctive concert. Tickets are free but must be reserved through TICKETMASTER. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Freer Gallery of Art Meyer Auditorium Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW (202) 357-2700 Dec. 15 The Gino Sitson Band Cameroonian musician Gino Sitson, drummer and vocalist, and his band combine blues, jazz and traditional African beats for an unforgettable sound. Admission is free. Sat., 2 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW (202) 357-2700 Dec. 15 Julio Almeida Ecuadorian guitarist Julio Almeida, an acclaimed soloist, enthralls audiences with various works from Spain, Ecuador, Cuba, Brazil and England. Tickets are $30. Sat., 8 p.m. Embassy of Ecuador 2535 15th St., NW (202) 625-2361 Dec. 16 Music from Spain The Embassy of Spain hosts a grand piano concert of 20th-century Spanish music featuring Oscar Espina-Ruiz on clarinet and Noriko Nagasawa on piano. A Spanish reception follows. Tickets are $20 for the public and $15 for Corcoran members. Sun., 5 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (202) 639-1770 Dec. 19 to Dec. 23 La Notte di Natale: Christmas in Italy Charming melodies from 14th-century Florence and the majestic concerts of 17th-century Rome form the basis of this holiday performance. Tickets are $25 with discounts for students, seniors and groups. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Theater 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077 Dec. 26 A Scottish Christmas Enjoy a thrilling evening of Scottish holiday music and dance, featuring fiddle sensation Bonnie Rideout, the Washington Pipe Band and the City of Washington Drum Corps. Tickets are $30 to $45. Wed., 8:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 THEATER Through Dec. 2 The Island South African playwright Athol Fugard turned his observations of the violence and oppression of apartheid into this intensely moving work of art. Tickets are $25 to $68. Please call for show times The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW (202) 467-4600 Through Dec. 2 Macbeth This version of Shakespeareís powerful play about intrigue, naked ambition and calculated murder unfolds in the sultry heat of 1950s Louisiana. Tickets are $25 to $41 with discounts for students, seniors and groups. Tue.-Thu. and Sun., 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. Folger Shakespeare Library 201 East Capitol St., SE (202) 544-7077 Dec. 5 The Brecht File George Taboriís quasi-documentary centers on Bertolt Brechtís exile after World War II and the reintroduction of his drama in the United States. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Corcoran members. Wed., 7 p.m. Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW (703) 684-7990 Through Dec. 8 Comedy of Errors A delightful bilingual adaptation of Shakespeareís "Comedy of Errors" presented in Spanish and English. Tickets are $18 and $12 for students and seniors. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Rosslyn Spectrum Theater 1611 North Kent St. Arlington, Va. (703) 271-0222 Dec. 10 Fascinating French Feast Laugh up a storm while enjoying a scrumptious dinner with this series of vignettes satirizing the French around the table. Tickets for the dinner and performance are $39. Mon., 7 p.m. Brasserie Les Halles 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (202) 347-6848 Through Dec. 30 The Little Prince In this beloved fable, an enchanting young prince travels to Earth and, with the help of a fox, learns what is truly important in life. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. Classika Theater Shirlington Village Arlington, Va. (703) 824-0660 Through Jan. 6 Hamlet Wallace Acton returns as the doomed prince commanded to avenge his fatherís murder in the psychologically complex Shakespearean classic. Tickets are $19 to $64. Please call or see www.shakespearetheatre.org for show times. The Shakespeare Theatre 450 7th St., NW (202) 547-1122