Arts & Events

In an All Mozart program which I attended on Saturday evening, February 6, in Berkeley’s First Congregational Church, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra offered works from diverse periods of Mozart’s all too brief life. Under the direction of conductor Nicholas McGegan, the orchestra performed the 17 year-old Mozart’s Symphony No. 27 in G Major and the 32 year-old’s Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major. In between these symphonies, the orchestra was joined by internationally renowned early keyboard artist Kristian Bezuidenhout on fortepiano in the 29-30 year-old Mozart’s Concerto for Fortepiano No. 23 in A Major. -more-

Opens February 12 at the Landmark California

There are at least three good reasons folks should consider lining up for Michael Moore's newest documentary broadside: (1) Where to Invade Next is a very entertaining, informative and timely film, (2) The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has hobbled audience access with an R-rating, and (3) the director won't be able to promote the film as planned since he only recently emerged from an Intensive Care Unit in a New York hospital.

Where to Invade Next has already racked up a host of awards including Official Selection at the 2015 Toronto Film Festival and the New York film Festival. But the film also deserves a special trophy For Excellence in Timing.

You have to wonder whether Moore knew (before anyone else) that Bernie Sanders would be running for president in 2016. A Democratic Socialist couldn't have asked for a better film to debut in the midst of a maverick presidential campaign. -more-

Friction Quartet--Keven Rogers and Otis Harriel, violins; Taija Warbelow, viola; Doug Machiz, cello--will play Beethoven's String Quartet Optus 59 no. No. 1 (1806), String Quartet no. 1 by Andy Akiko (New York-based composer, winner of 2015 Lili Boulanger. emorial Fund) and Benjamin Britten"s String Quartet no. 2, no. 36, a tribute to Purcell with reference to Britten's opera Peter Grimes, 8 p. m. followed by a complimentary winerrr and cheese reception with an opportunity to meet the artists. Next Tuesday, February at the Berkeley City Club Ballroom, 2315 Durant Avenue near Bowditch. $30 general admisson, high school students free, post-high school students $15. 525-5211 or berkeleychsmberperform.org -more-