From "shabby little shocker" — one writer's withering verdict — to No. 4 in the list of most performed operas. That is the critical journey travelled by Puccini's "Tosca" in the past half century. Its plot, once considered tawdry and melodramatic, has shocking contemporary relevance. Political tyranny, sexual bullying, and violence against women — all of these are central to the action, and underpinned by Puccini's immensely powerful music.
Kelly Kaduce, seen recently in "Rusalka," has stepped into the title role of Minnesota Opera's new production following the last-minute cancellation by Hungarian soprano Csilla Boross. Opening night is Saturday March 12, with eight performances in total. (Opens 7:30 p.m. Sat. Ends Mar. 26. Ordway Music Theater, St. Paul. mnopera.org)
It's a strong week for chamber music, too, and if you've been following the stunning Quatuor Ébène's ascent to international stardom you'll want to catch its Minnesota debut on Sunday, March 13. Debussy's String Quartet features, along with Haydn and some cross-over items to be announced from the stage. (4 p.m. Sun., with a pre-concert talk at 3 p.m., St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, St. Paul;, $21-$30. schubert.org)
Another classic of the chamber repertoire, Schubert's String Quintet, is included in a tantalizing mixed-medium concert that the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is touring to various metro locations, starting Saturday. (8 p.m. Sat., Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, $13-$43, thespco.org)
The career of Avi Avital has also rocketed recently. Pre-Avital you'd have been pushed to name a single classical mandolinist whose name was worth remembering. Now the young Israeli virtuoso sells tickets everywhere, and mixes Bach and Bartók up with traditional Turkish and Bulgarian music for Tuesday evening's recital, backed by accordion and percussion. (7:30 p.m. Tue., Aria, Mpls., $35. schubert.org)
Finally, for your weekly choral fix try "My Soul's Repose," a new recital program from the outstanding choir the Singers. Music by Barber and Howells flanks the local premiere of Minneapolis-based composer Jake Runestad's "The Hope of Loving," in which a string quartet accompanies the voices. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, St. Paul, $21-$33. singersmca.org)
Terry Blain is a Twin Cities-based music critic.
