Feature

New-Music Events

Venture beyond Beethoven and Brahms, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what you hear -- and the relatively modest ticket prices.

By Alicia Zuckerman

1. The Da Capo Chamber Players
This program, called "My Twentieth Century," includes a world premiere by Martin Bresnick adapted from a poem by Tom Andrews, and other reflections on a freshly departed era. (Miller Theatre, Columbia University; 212-854-7799.)

2. eighth blackbird
The group -- six friends from Oberlin College -- makes its Lincoln Center debut with Aaron Jay Kernis's 1991 The Four Seasons of Futurist Cuisine, based on a thirties Italian manifesto. Guest narrator: celebrity chef Mario Batali. (Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center; 212-721-6500.)

3. Electronic X-Travaganza
The Kitchen presents three nights of electronic sounds from pioneers like David Behrman, who's reviving his 1973 Homemade Synthesizer Music With Sliding Pitches, and newcomers like the trip-hoppers Douce (listen for a love song to Robert De Niro in their mix). (512 West 19th Street; 212-255-5793, ext. 11.)

4. Composer Portraits
The Miller Theatre's series this week focuses on György Ligeti, the Transylvanian composer behind a piece for 100 metronomes. Don't be put off: The more traditionally orchestrated pieces are lovely and moving. (Miller Theatre, Columbia University; 212-854-7799.)

5. American Composers Orchestra
Now turning 25, ACO welcomes a new music director, Steven Sloane, to the podium. He'll conduct the world premiere of Stewart Wallace's The Book of Five, with British art-rockers Icebreaker. (At Carnegie Hall; 212-247-7800.)