Bartók on Stage

In partnership with the Joffrey Ballet, the Cleveland Orchestra takes on Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin and Bluebeard’s Castle, two “highly expressionistic thrillers” that focus on “the tragic, dark passions between men and women.” The Miraculous Mandarin centers on a girl forced to act as a decoy and lure a wealthy mandarin to his tragic fate. Based on folk legends, Bluebeard’s Castle features folk melodies. Bartók’s only opera, it tells the story of an aging aristocrat and his young bride. The concert takes place tonight at 7:30 at Severance Hall. Performances repeat at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $29. (Niesel)