Random Acts
New Mexico Performing Arts Society and Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble join forces in the name of Brahms; Michael Ging plays a TGIF organ concert
Beating the winter blues: New Mexico Performing Arts Society
The New Mexico Performing Arts Society and Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble join forces for a vocal and instrumental concert that features works for women’s choir by Brahms (including his sumptuous Four Songs, Op. 17, with obbligato harp and horns), arrangements of Debussy pieces, and the premiere of “Lo Lanu Ha-shem” by Aaron Alter. Linda Raney and Franz Vote take turns on the podium. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 50 Mount Carmel Road. Tickets ($38.50-$47; discounts for seniors, families, and students) can be acquired through nmpas.org or holdmyticket .com (877-466-3404). — James M. Keller
Organic melodies: Michael Ging
Organist Michael Ging performs the first of the new year’s weekly, half-hour TGIF concerts at First Presbyterian Church (208 Grant Ave.) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4. A graduate of the organ departments of Oberlin Conservatory and Rice University, he is currently pursuing his doctorate at the University of Houston. His recital on the church’s C.B. Fisk trackeraction instrument opens with one of Bach’s most extraordinary organ works, the Pièce d’Orgue (BWV 572), and continues with music by Louis Vierne, Jehan Alain, and Maurice Duruflé. As with all concerts in the series, it is free, with contributions welcomed. — J.M.K.