Post-Oscar Malaise

Well, did you enjoy the Oscars? More excitement than 700 million people should be allowed to have on the same night, eh? Well, never fear, there are better things ahead in all sorts of art forms, including a chance to overdose on great films to get over your Sandra Bullock hangover.

#5: Libby Larsen at UW-Milwaukee.
Why? Because with 400 works to her credit and over 50 recordings, she’s among the royalty of contemporary American composers, using an accessible harmonic language in fresh ways. Because her vocal music has been compared with that of Benjamin Britten for the way it matches words to music. And because Chamber Music Milwaukee will offer a guided tour of her work, with Larsen herself providing commentary.

#4: Theatre Gigante’s Three Other Sisters at Off-Broadway Theatre.
Why? Because Mark Anderson and Isabelle Kralj always think outside the theatrical black-box, telling great and timeless stories with movement, music and a impish sense of wordplay. Because this retelling of a Montenegro folk-tale features dancers in the title roles, including Kralj, and UWM professors Simone Ferro and Janet Lilly. And because the music is provided by Slovenian singer/songwriter Vlado Kreslin, the Bob Dylan of Central Europe.

#3: Bel Canto Chorus at St. Joseph’s Center Chapel.
Why? Because the chorus will offer the United States premiere of “Missa Lorca,” a piece by Italian composer Corrado Margutti, which combines the Latin mass with the fiery poetry of Frederic Garcia Lorca. And because there will also be music by Palestrina and Benjamin Britten, amounting to about as international program one could hope for.

#2: Wayne McGregor/Random Dance at Alverno Presents.
Why? Because the British McGregor is one of a handful of true dance innovators on the planet, embracing the technological possibilities of dance using everything from robotics to 3-D projections to unusual architecture. Because his new work, “Entity,” has been called “a great sexy beast of a piece,” and has been lauded at its performances around the world. And because this is one of only five performances in the United States, so dance fans from around the country will be envious.

#1: Milwaukee Film Festival, Winter Edition at the Marcus North Shore.
Why? Because you’ve heard quite enough about Avatar and Sandra Bullock, thank you very much, and are ready for some truly innovative and great films that are just under Hollywood’s radar. Because the lineup of 10 films include some that were or will be showing up on “must see” lists, and they include everything from documentaries about journalists (Collapse) and ballet (La Danse) to epic action films (Red Cliff) to intelligent indies (Fish Tank, The Maid). And because there are several chances to see each film you want to see.