EVENTS **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times and/or hours of operation. ART March 2 to June 1 Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1880-1938 This is the first major U.S. exhibition in 30 years devoted to Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, one of the most prolific and creative of the German Expressionist artists. National Gallery of Art March 5 to May 4 Faith and Culture: The Art of Egg-Writing in Poland In Poland, decorating eggs during Easter has become nothing short of its own unique art form, signaling the start of spring and the promise of a new beginning. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center March 6 Paris Lives, Russian Stories: Works on Paper Works on paper by seven renowned contemporary artists tell the complex story of French-Russian relations through the end of the Soviet era and the rebuilding of lives in Paris. Reservations are requested. La Maison FranÁaise March 6 to May 1 Martin Gredler: Panoramas of Recollections, Water Colors More than 100 watercolorsógrouped around the exhibitís theme of ìhome and abroadîówere assembled into a mosaic of large-size works specially designed for the Austrian Embassy. Embassy of Austria Through March 9 The Sensuous and the Sacred: Chola Bronzes From South India Among the most exquisite works of Indian art are the numerous portable bronzes produced between the ninth and 13th centuries during the rule of the Chola Dynasty, 60 of which are shown here in this stellar exhibit. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through March 10 Fantasy Underfoot The 47th Corcoran Biennial explores the legacy of conceptual art and the ìnew mediaî of the 1960s through a vast range of works by 13 contemporary artists. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through March 16 In and Out of Focus: Images From Central Africa, 1885-1960 Learn how widely disseminated images of Central Africans taken by Western photographers perpetuated and popularized colonial rule. National Museum of African Art Through March 27 Fission/Fusion Bringing together a wide assortment of works by artists from Mexico City and Washington, D.C., this collective exhibit examines the human condition through a common vocabulary of visual arts. Mexican Cultural Instit ute Through March 28 Showcasing the Art of Mieko Ishikawa Mieko Ishikawa, world-renowned for her breathtaking botanical artwork, brings her elegant paintings, illustrations and photographs featuring the exquisite beauty of cherry blossoms and the tropical rainforests of Borneo to the Washington area to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Japan-U.S. relations. Japan Information and Culture Center Lafayette Centre III Through March 30 Palaces and Pavilions: Grand Architecture in Chinese Painting An ancient assortment of scrolls, album leaves and three-dimensional objects illustrates how imperial structures and mythical Daoist palaces have been depicted in Chinese art over the centuries. Freer Gallery of Art Through March 31 Through My Fatherís Eyes Photographs taken by Ricardo Alvarado provide a poignant and intimate backdrop to the rich cultural history of Filipino Americans, one the nationís largest and most rapidly growing Asian American ethnic groups. National Museum of American History Through April 20 ...douard Vuillard Comprising some 200 works, this exhibit represents the full range of ...douard Vuillardís subject matter, revealing both the public and private sides of this quintessentially Parisian artist. National Gallery of Art Through April 25 digITALYart To celebrate Italyís diverse artistic heritage, the IDB presents examples of Italian technological art, featuring digitally designed architectural projects, interactive images and the seminal piece ìRoma IIî by Fabrizio Plessi. Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Through May 4 Art of the Ballets Russes Experience the excitement of the Ballets Russes in a rare presentation of original costumes and stage designs by some of the 20th centuryís greatest artists, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Baltimore Museum of Art Through May 5 Whistler and His Circle in Venice This exhibition commemorates the centennial of Whistlerís death with a look back at the artistís efforts to capture his beloved Veniceóbeyond its popular tourist traps. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through May 7 The Road to Rome: A Modern Pilgrimage Father Jerome Tupa, a Benedictine monk, retraces his spiritual journey through 21 cities in Italy with an innovative, abstract take on the sacred sites he encountered along the way. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through May 11 Margaret Bourke-White: The Photography of Design, 1927-1936 Discover how Margaret Bourke-Whiteís images of industrialization in Fortune magazine catapulted her to the upper echelons of American photography and earned her a spot in womenís history. The Phillips Collection Through May 11 Thomas Gainsborough, 1727-1788 English painter and draftsman Thomas Gainsborough is considered one of the great proponents of 18th-century portraiture and landscape painting. Find out why in this comprehensive exhibit of more than 100 of his works. National Gallery of Art Through May 18 Gerhard Richter: Forty Years of Painting More than 120 works demonstrate German artist Gerhard Richterís prowess for evocative abstract canvases, the multitude of styles he used, and the broad influence he has wielded during his career. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through May 25 Common/Places: Contemporary Photography From Germany and Northern Europe Familiar scenes of everyday life are transformed into stunning, large-scale works by some of the most influential contemporary photographers in ìCommon/Places.î This exhibit runs concurrently with ìParallel Tracks: The History of Photography in Two Brief Installments,î which chronicles the evolution of street versus studio photography. Baltimore Museum of Art Through May 26 The Floating World Revealed: Ukiyo-e Paintings and Prints The style of art known as ukiyo-e depicts a panoply of actors and courtesans from the entertainment, theater and pleasure quarters of Japanís great cities during the Edo period (1615-1868). The exhibit runs concurrently with ìTea in the Floating World,î which looks at tea ceremonies in Kabuki theaters during the same time period. Freer Gallery of Art Through June 1 Laying the Foundation for Liberty Learn how America prepared for Franceís monumental gift through the design and construction of the pedestal that anchors the Statue of Liberty. The Octagon Museum Through June 2 Hold It! Textiles as Containers Discover the distinctive ways various cultures have exploited textile containers to suit their needs in this unique exhibit. The Textile Museum Through June 15 Whistler in Venice: The Pastels Expatriate American artist James McNeill Whistler fell in love with Venice during what was supposed to be a short stay, remaining there instead for 14 months to create an array of pastels exploring the cityís backwater canals and decaying palazzos. Freer Gallery of Art Through June 18 An Imperial Collection: Women Artists From the State Hermitage Museum Sculptures and paintings by women trained in the European traditionórarely viewed outside of Russia or Europeóreveal how patrons and painters contributed to Russian imperial, social and cultural history. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through July 27 After the Madness: The Secular Life, Art, and Imitation of Bada Shanren This aptly named exhibit looks at the great Qing dynasty Chinese artist Bada Shanren, a descendant of Ming royalty who became a Buddhist monk, was considered to have gone mad in his middle age, and ultimately returned to secular life and painting in his 60s. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Oct. 5 Ethiopian Icons: Faith and Science Reflecting two voicesócurator and conservatoróìEthiopian Iconsî explores the unique imagery of icons using the museumís own collection, which recently underwent a technical analysis and conservation treatment. National Museum of African Art Through Nov. 30 Journeys and Destinations: African Artists on the Move ìJourneys and Destinationsî examines the migration of African artists living in Europe and America and how they have negotiated their changing artistic, cultural and personal identities. National Museum of African Art Through Dec. 31 Myths of St. Petersburg: Impressions of the City From the Hillwood Collection To honor the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, the Hillwood Museum has compiled more than 50 objects that explore the famed cityís symbolic meaning and its place in Russian history. Hillwood Museum and Gardens Through Jan. 11, 2004 The Mountain of t Lord Five detailed models of the temples built on the ancient Temple Mount in Jerusalem give visitors the chance to explore these sacred sites firsthand. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center dance March 4 to 9 and 12 to 16 International Ballet Festival The worldís top ballet stars from such companies as the Royal Danish Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Kirov Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre converge on the Kennedy Center for this two-week dance extravaganza. Tickets are $45 to $95. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Thu., March 13, 7:30 p.m. LimÛn Dance Company Over the last three decades, the LimÛn Dance Company has provided an overview of some of the best choreography, old and new, in the dance world. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Fri., March 21, 8 p.m. CompaÒia Nacional de Danza de Mexico The CompaÒia Nacional de Danza de Mexico tackles a mixed bill of neoclassical and contemporary repertoire with their own signature Latin flavor. Tickets are $19 to $45. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater festivals Fri., March 21, 7 p.m. Special Francophone Evening Washingtonís French-speaking embassies and the Alliance FranÁaise have teamed up once again to bring audiences an evening of music, cuisine, and arts and crafts that offer a gateway to French culture around the world. Tickets are $10. La Maison FranÁaise March 22 to April 11 Francophone Music Festival The Smithsonian Associates along with The Francophonie organization invite you to enjoy the melodies of French bands from around the world, including Quebec, Guinea, Cambodia, Morocco, Louisiana, France and Mali. Please call the Resident Associates at (202) 357-3030 for specific show and location information. Locations Vary galas Sat., March 15 A Latin Fiesta The Washington International School holds its annual gala featuring silent and live auctions as well as food, music and entertainment from the Americas, the Caribbean and Spain, all to benefit the schoolís financial aid programs. Please call (202) 243-1825 for ticket information. World Bank Atrium Sun., March 30, 6 p.m. Cathedral Choral Societyís 27th Annual Gala This yearís Cathedral Choral Society bash honors Denyce Graves and David Perry, with Pl·cido Domingo as the honorary chair. Please call (202) 298-8024 for ticket information. Four Seasons Hotel lectures Sun., March 2, 1 p.m. Women in Film Emmy Award-winning writer Steve ìMr. Movieî Friedman screens film clips as he presents an overview of the industry and a tribute to the women who set the standards for legions of future filmmakers. Tickets are $35 or $30 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Wed., March 5, 12:30 p.m. Trapped: Modern-Day Slavery in the Brazilian Amazon Binka Le Breton, author and co-director of the Iracambi Rainforest Research Center, leads this intriguing discussion. The George Washington University Stuart Hall, Room 103 Wed., March 5, 6 p.m. Russian Imperial Style Russian decorative arts and cultural historian Marilyn Swezey looks at a lifestyle of astounding wealth and beauty as she recounts 200 years of life at the Russian Imperial Court. Tickets are $40 or $30 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Thu., March 6, 6 p.m. Portraits of Venice Through Time Dennis Romano reflects on what the lagoon city has meant to people over the centuries and how its image continues to evolve. Tickets are $14 or $11 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Mon., March 10, 8 p.m. Steve Lacy Donít miss the chance to catch this rescheduled performance by Steve Lacy, a jazz innovator who has navigated through all of the genreís major musical movements with tremendous ease and style. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students. La Maison FranÁaise Wed., March 12, 7 p.m. In My Irish Grandmotherís Parlor: Cabaret! Revel in Gina McCormick Carusoís memories of her Irish grandmotherís parlorófull of songs, stories, fiddle playing, dancing and other spirited diversions. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., March 13, 6 p.m. Globalization and Its Discontent Joseph Stiglitz, the 2001 Nobel Laureate in economics and a professor at Columbia University, takes a revealing look at the pitfalls of globalization. Reservations are required; please call (202) 994-1667 for reservations. The George Washington University Marvin Center Grand Ballroom Mon., March 17, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Celtic Roots This fun-filled multimedia show celebrates the Emerald Isle as Library of Congress curators present vintage slides and videos of Irish immigrants who sailed across the sea to a new land. Tickets are $10 or $8 for Smithsonian members. Discovery Theater Mon., March 17, 7:30 p.m. Irish Stories, Lore, and Poetry Celebrate St. Patrickís Day in the company of Batt Burns, whose prowess at Irish storytelling, wit and literature gives audiences a true taste of Ireland, both modern and traditional. Tickets are $16 or $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Wed., March 19, 7 p.m. The Great Beers of Germany Michael Jackson, otherwise known as the ìBeer Hunterî returns with this guided tour of brews from the land of Oktoberfest. Tickets are $32 or $26 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Thu., March 20, 7:30 p.m. Tibetan Traverse Explorer Rick Ridgeway shares adventures trekking through the rugged terrain of Tibet in search of the endangered chiru antelope. Tickets are $16 or $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Sat., March 22, 9:30 a.m. The Architectural Splendor of St. Petersburg, Moscow, and the Russian North Russian architectural historian William Brumfield returns to the Smithsonian to share his extensive research and photographic work in European Russia. Tickets are $120 or $75 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Thu., March 27, 6 p.m. Russ ian Nobel Prize Winner Zhores Alferov Noted Russian scientist Zhores Alferov discusses his thought-provoking work in quantum solid-state physics. Tickets are $16 or $12 for Smithsonian members. Please call the Smithsonian Associates at (202) 357-3030 for location information. Location TBA Thu., March 27, 7 p.m. Masters of Russian Theater Andrei Malaev-Babel, artistic director of Washingtonís Stanislavsky Theater Studio, and Sarah Kain, an expert on Michael Chekhovís theatrical technique, engage in a lively discussion about Russian theater. Tickets are $17 or $15 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Mon., March 31, 6:30 p.m. Cistercian Abbeys of France: A Life of Contemplation This slide-illustrated seminar examines life as a silent monk in a Cistercian abbey. Tickets are $30 or $20 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center music Sun., March 2, 2 p.m., Thu., March 6, 7:30 p.m., Mon., March 24, 7:30 p.m. Vocal Arts Society Rounding out the 2002-2003 season of the Vocal Arts Society is a trio of talented musicians: pianist Steven Blier (March 2), baritone Wolfgang Holzmair (March 6), and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham (March 24). Tickets are $30. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Mon., March 3, 7:30 p.m. Edouard Vuillard Concert #3 Cellist Xavier Philips and pianist Emmanuel Strosser, both internationally recognized musicians, perform in this concert series honoring French music during the time of Parisian artist Edouard Vuillard. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students. La Maison FranÁaise Mon. and Tue., March 3 and 4, 8 p.m. Vienna Philharmonic Only a few seats remain for this rousing performance of the Vienna Philharmonic in its first D.C. appearance in 10 years. Tickets are $65 to $150. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Fri., March 7, 8 p.m. Mihai Craioveanu, Violin Critically acclaimed violinist Mihai Craioveanu comes to Washington with an impressive program of Strauss, Bartok, Sarasate and popular Romanian music. Tickets are $35. Embassy of Romania Sat., March 8, 7:30 p.m. Cuarteto Latino Americano Since 1981, the three Bitr·n brothers have brought a Latin American flair to classical music through their group, the Cuarteto Latino Americano. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Sat., March 8, 8 p.m., Sun., March 9, 7:30 p.m. Barynaya: Russian Folk Song and Dance Itís an evening of Russian storytelling, music and dance as Barynayaís performers bounce, twirl and dazzle audiences with syncopated footwork and foot-stamping ferocity. Tickets are $23 or $19 for Smithsonian members. Baird Auditorium Sun., March 9, 5 p.m. An Evening of Irish Music Violinist Geraldine OíGrady is joined by other top performers for this eclectic Irish concert. Church of the Annunciation Mon., March 10, 7:30 p.m. The Chieftans Returning for their annual St. Patrickís Day concert, the Chieftans are bound to get audiences in the Irish mood with spirited traditional Celtic tunes and contemporary favorites. Tickets are $25 to $75. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Fri., March 14, 7:30 p.m. St. Paddyís Day With Craobh Rua Internationally acclaimed artists fuse their talents to create a vibrant new sound from an array of traditional instruments. Tickets are $22 or $18 for Smithsonian members. Voice of America Auditorium Fri., March 14, 8 p.m. Anton Webern Quartet With their signature blend of violin, viola and cello, the Anton Webern Quartet from Vienna is sure to delight and dazzle audiences. Tickets are $30. Embassy of Austria Fri. and Sat., March 14 and 15, 8 p.m. Santa Fe Guitar Quartet Delight in this tango through the Americas with Argentinaís hot young ensemble the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet as they perform timeless guitar greats. Tickets are $26 or $22 for students and seniors. Dumbarton Church Sat., March 15, 7:30 p.m. Canto y Poesia: Passion and Romance Discover the vibrant rhythms of Latin American music and poetry with a performance that will stir both the mind and the heart. Tickets are $15 to $18. Please call Coral Cantigas at (301) 424-8296 for ticket information. Bethesda United Methodist Church Sat., March 15, 7:30 p.m. The Languages of Switzerland New compositions as well as traditional works take audiences into the historic churches and cosmopolitan city streets via the five languages of Switzerland (co-sponsored with the Embassy of Switzerland). Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Please call (202) 882-3537 for ticket information. St. Columbiaís Episcopal Church Mon., March 17, 7:30 p.m. Inbal Segev and Ron Regev Cellist Inbal Segev and pianist Ron Regev perform an evening of Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Paganini. Please call the Beethoven Society of America at (703) 960-9876 for ticket information. Embassy of Germany Mon., March 17, 8 p.m. Los Tigres del Norte Balladeers with a social conscience, Los Tigres remain the undisputed kings of norteÒo music, a medley of pop, country, folk and rap. Tickets are $25 to $100. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Wed., March 26, 7 p.m. Amor y Cancion: Chileís Star Singer Cecilia Echenique, who has garnered top honors in Latin America, has wowed audiences across the Americas with her electrifying sound and smooth voice (Reception to follow). Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., March 27, 7 p.m. Per Tengstrand: Magnificent Pianist Swedenís Per Tengstrand continues to establish himself as one of todayís most gifted young pianists, with a repertoire that spans from Bach to contemporary tunes (Reception to follow). Tickets are $25 or $20 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Fri. and Sat., March 28 and 29, 8 p.m. Dennis Lee and Chee-Hung Toh Fresh from performances in Londonís Royal Festival Hall and the BBC Lunchtime Series, this dynamic duo of pianists returns to the Embassy Series for a much-awaited concert, with Asian buffet to follow. Tickets are $40. Embassy of Singapore Sat., March 29, 6:30 p.m. Centennial Honoring Armenian Composer Aram Khachaturian Eight of Armeniaís finest up-and-coming musicians perform a rousing program featuring Khachaturian, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Sarasate, Haroutiunian and others. Tickets are available at the door for $15. For more information, please call (202) 319-1976. (Sponsored by the Embassy of Armenia and the New Names Assoc iation of Armenia) World Bank H Auditorium Mon., March 31, 7:30 p.m. Edouard Vuillard Concert #4 Cellist Bertrand Raynaud, violinist Nicolas Dautricourt and pianist Eric Lesage cap off a concert series honoring French music during the time of Parisian artist Edouard Vuillard. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students. La Maison FranÁaise Mon., March 31, 6:30 p.m. The Russian Bass: The Tradition Behind the Repertoire Participants explore the history of the Russian bass in this entertaining seminar that features a live performance by renowned Russian bass Mikhail Svetlov. Please call for ticket information. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden theater March 1, 3, 6 and 11 Aida Giuseppe Verdiís monumental epic ìAidaî inaugurates The Washington Operaís new stage at DAR Constitution Hall. Acclaimed Russian soprano Maria Guleghina plays the slave Aida in this wrenching drama of a lonely exile torn between her love for the leader of an enemyís army and her loyalty to her father and country. Tickets are $41 to $285. DAR Constitution Hall March 4 to 23 The Allergistís Wife This Tony-nominated Broadway hit centers on a culture-obsessed, upper-middle class New Yorker whose mid-life crisis when her glamorous childhood friend reappears for a mysterious visit. Tickets are $35 to $67.50. The National Theatre Wed., March 5, 7 p.m. A Generous Theatrical Evening The Radosina NaÔve Theatre troupe takes to the stage for this captivating show, with wine and cheese reception to follow. Reservations are required. Embassy of Slovakia Through March 9 The Silent Woman An old bachelor with a severe aversion to noise marries a ìsilent womanî to deny his nephew a large inheritance, but this lady turns out to be anything but quiet in this witty satire on Jacobean society. Tickets are $15 to $65. The Shakespeare Theatre Through March 9 Whoís Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Classika brings its own distinctive touch to the turbulent story of two couples caught up in a night of conflict, intimidation, excess and sexual tension. Tickets are $17 to $22. Classika Theatre Mon., March 10, 5:15 p.m. Totem and Tabori This work tackles the genesis and second coming of Jewish theater in Austria. Please call for reservations. Embassy of Austria Mon., March 10, 8:15 p.m. It Sounds Better in Amharic The Association for Jewish Theaterís International Conference presents Yossi Vassaís account of his arduous journey from Ethiopia to a Sudanese refugee camp and finally to the Holy Land. DCJCC Theater J March 13 to May 25 SalomÈ Oscar Wildeís ìSalome,î inspired by the biblical account of John the Baptist, follows a young princess consumed by her desire for an imprisoned holy man in what unfolds as a poetic vision of love, death and perverse passion. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Fri., March 14, 8 p.m., Sat., March 15, 7:30 p.m. El Automovil Gris (The Grey Car) ìThe Grey Carî explores the Japanese art of the Benshi through the interpretation of Enrique Rosesís silent Mexican film classic of the same name. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center AFI Theater Through March 15 Sixth International Festival of Hispanic Theater Experience theater companies from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico and many more Latin American nationsóas well as Hispanic companies from as far away as Switzerland and Spainóin this truly global theatrical endeavor. Please call for specific show information. Teatro de la Luna Through March 16 Cervantes: The Interludes Scheming lawyers, amorous priests, rebellious womenóthe genius of the Golden Age author Don Quixote still reigns fresh and pertinent in this evening of short farces that captures life in 17th-century Spain. Tickets are $28 and $18 for students and seniors. Gala Hispanic Theatre March 20, 21, 22 and 29 Histrio The inspired theater troupe Histrio presents a series of three plays performed in French: ìLe Sacrifice du Bourreau,î ìLes Jumeaux Etincelantsî and ìScene a Quatreîówith a summary ìmini-playî in English included. Tickets are $20 or $12 for students and seniors. La Maison FranÁaise March 21 to April 20 La Vagabonde Spend an enchanting evening in 1907 Montmartre in this original adaptation of the novel by revolutionary French writer Coletteówhich marks the final production for Le Neon Theatre. Tickets are $15 to $25. Gunston Arts Center Theater II Fri., March 28, 8 p.m. I Fioretti With a witty new interpretation, actor Giovanni Vitello and percussionist Francesco Agnello present their offbeat rendition of the Fioretti religious texts. (French with subtitles). Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Georgetown University Dahlgren Chapel March 29, 31, April 3, 6, 9 and 11 Don Giovanni Pl·cido Domingo conducts The Washington Operaís production of Mozartís masterpiece with young bass sensation Erwin Schrott in the title role. Tickets are $41 to $285. DAR Constitution Hall Through March 30 The Miser In this classic Moliere farce, the money-loving eccentricities of the tight-fisted Harpagon spin out of control when those around him conspire to help his children get married. Tickets are $25 to $35. Olney Theatre Center