1. 1. So Percussion

   July 20 and 21 at the Allen Room

   New music isn’t the most ubiquitous presence around the plaza, so it’s a treat to see this ever-innovative ensemble jamming with the electronica outfit Matmos in an intimate setting.

2. 2. “Second Visit to the Empress”

   July 24, 28, and 29 at the New York State Theater

   Talented choreographer Shen Wei takes a first stab at opera, revitalizing a work first performed 200 years ago in a Beijing palace.

3. 3. Ballet National de Marseille

   July 25 through 27 at the New York State Theater

   In this rare meeting of a great ballet company and a singular set designer, the architect Zaha Hadid provides sculptural stage pieces for an intriguing multimedia work.

Related:

• Articles by Rebecca Milzoff
• Table of Contents: July 23, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!