DC experienced a dynamic, rising conductor at the Strathmore on Thursday night.

The Orquestra de Sao Paulo, conducted by Kazem Abdullah, delivered a stunning performance of classical music infused with Brazilian flavor last night in Bethesda. 

Not only was the music captivating, it also conjured mental images of epic movie scenes — from the escape through the Swiss Alps after a bank heist, to a dramatic chase sequence in a Scorsese film.  The only thing more impressive than the vivid music was the conductor himself.   The 29-year-old Abdullah was exacting at culling the perfect sound and notes from each instrument and player.  The most seasoned classical music conductor would have been impressed by Kazem’s command of the baton. 

That Abdullah (like us) most likely grew up watching MTV makes his presence at center-stage even more amazing.   DC on a Dime has not seen a conductor so young, accomplished, and inspiring as this one.  It appears that the era of change extends beyond politics, to now include classical music.

Upcoming Performances.  The symphony was only in town for one night, so those who didn’t see it really missed a treat.  But, if you’re up for classical road trippin’ we suggest you check out Abdullah and the Sao Paulo Orchestra in Pennsylvania or New Jersey:

10/23/2009 7:30:00 PM

Eisenhower Auditorium

University Park, PA

GET TICKETS

10/24/2009 8:00:00 PM

State Theatre Regional Arts Center at New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

GET TICKETS

Photo from DCist

Starting tonight, through August 10 (next four Mondays), the Screen on the Green Film Festival returns to the National Mall, between 4th and 7th Streets.  After a brief scare that this annual event had been cancelled, Comcast and the Trust for the National Mall decided to team-up with HBO to bankroll the series.  

Showtime starts at sunset – around 8:30pm — but get there early.  No alcohol allowed.  This event is free.

Schedule:

July 20,  Close Encounters  of the Third Kind

July 27,  Dog Day Afternoon

August 3, On the Waterfront

August 10,  Rebel Without a Cause

Generation O Program Provides Subsidized Tickets.

If you think opera is not your thing – or tickets a little too pricey - think again.  The Washington National Opera has flung its doors open to the younger set.  The free Generation O program offers discount tickets to students and young professionals age 18-35, for season events and performances.  You must first sign-up for the Generation O program here, in order to receive program benefits. 

Check out the Washington National Opera website for details on upcoming events and performances.  You can also check out the Generation O Facebook page.

The National Harbor is getting into the free outdoor movie game.  Starting this Sunday, and every Sunday until October 25, there will be a family friendly movie shown at the National Harbor’s outdoor plaza, just after sunset.  They call it “Family Sundays.”  And each Tuesday, through September 22, they will show classics movies.  You guessed it, “Classic Tuesdays.”

On Sunday, July 12, treat the little ones you know to a FREE screening of Stuart Little.   And on July 14, you can take your sweetheart to see Some Like It Hot, also FREE.  Check here for more information and to view the weekly schedule.

Today we honor the music of the galactically talented and very troubled King of Pop.   If the sad news about Michael Jackson has your spirits low (like DC on a Dime) then grab your iPod and head over to the National Harbour or Hains Point, perfect locations to watch the sun go down and remember the times. 

Below are the setting times for the Sun in Washington, DC, for the next week.

June 26, 2009

8:37 PM

June 27, 2009

8:38 PM

June 28, 2009

8:38 PM

June 29, 2009

8:37 PM

June 30, 2009

8:37 PM

July 1, 2009

8:37 PM

July 2, 2009

8:37 PM

The long awaited W Hotel Washington, DC is scheduled to open in just over 3 weeks.  Rumors about the new W, formerly Hotel Washington, have been much written about here, here, and here.  It even has its own facebook page. 

The Washington Post’s Going Out Gurus got an early preview and wrote about what to expect: 

An elevator speeds customers to the rooftop bar, which has very different indoor and outdoor sections. Inside, the modern, one-room main bar has just 66 seats. Large windows soar almost to the 20-foot ceilings and offer views of Pennsylvania Avenue. (The best spots in the house will probably not be at the low counter that runs along the bar, but at the circular tables for two that line the southern-facing windows.)

And then there’s the outdoor deck. Some may remember the cramped conditions that Hotel Washington offered — plastic picnic chairs and tables jammed on top of each other. Not anymore. Adding about four feet to the awning-style ceiling helps. Capping the seats at 104 is a good move, too, so you can have some privacy at your table as you gaze over at the East Wing.

The bar has a funky grass-style covering to match the prospective menu: seasonal drinks and a selection of tapas and light snacks. (No decision has been made about whether or not the rooftop will allow smoking.)

As far as we can tell, from the above rendering, we LOVE what the folks at the W (Starwood) have done with the roof-top terrace.  We’re not-so-sure about guest rooms (pics below), but for Washingtonians the only thing that really counts is the view from the top.  Which comes free with the purchase of a cocktail or a meal.

Location:  515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004  (one block from the White House).

Website:  http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3279

If you’re searching for the perfect way to end a Friday night date, just look in the direction of Nationals Stadium.  After each Friday night home game, the Nats kick-off an impressive fireworks display inside the ball park.  Seats are available for as low as $5, but you can also watch the show from outside the stadium for free.  Check out the schedule and add some fireworks to your date night!