On a drizzly weekend as we stagger out of a brutal winter the words themselves lift the spirit: "Flora and Fauna." That's the title of the latest offering "in season" for Washington's 21st Century Consort.
Founded in 1975, the groups is the resident ensemble for contemporary music at the Smithsonian Institution's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. It plays periodically throughout the year.
The musicians come from the National Symphony Orchestra and other prominent chamber musicians in the area. The works often are inspired by exhibits at the museums.
On Saturday, the 21st Century Consort performs "Flora and Fauna" at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium. A discussion starts at 4 p.m., the concert at 5.
