Highlights of the 11-day Montreal High Lights festival

February 2012

Perhaps you already have tickets for Montreal High Lights Festival headliner Toots Thielemans (see page 3). Now what? Irwin Block shares his jazz festival picks:

February 16, 8 pm: Pianist Menachem Pressler, with three string players, performs Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 1 K 478, Dvorak’s Piano Quartet No. 2, and Debussy’s Estampes, at Maison symphonique de Montréal, 175 Ste. Catherine W. $35.50 to $80.50. 514-842-9951.

February 16-27: In Absentia, the new play by Morris Panych, directed by Ralph Surette, is a riveting mystery and moving story of vanished love. Centaur Theatre, 453 St. François Xavier. $33-$45. 514-288-3161.

February 16-26: Scientific Americans, a gripping play by John Mighton, directed by Andrew Shaver, on the moral responsibility when scientific research can lead to death and destruction, is featured at the Segal Theatre, 5170 Côte Ste. Catherine. $22-$34. 514-739-7944.

February 18, 8:30 pm: Jireh Gospel Choir. Dinner and show $62.50, show only $25. Taxes and tip not included. Arrive early for dinner at Le Balcon, 304 Notre Dame E., behind Bonsecours Market. 514-526-9766.

February 25, 8 pm: Cellist Jorane performs with I Musici de Montréal in the intimate setting of the Gesù, 1200 Bleury. $41.50, seniors and students $38.50. 514-861-4036.

February 26, 4 pm: Ne me Quitte Pas, a testimonial to Belgian singer/songwriter Jacques Brel by a cavalcade of Quebec singers. Maison symphonique de Montréal, $63-$78, plus tax and service fee. 514-842-2112.

The Montreal High Lights Festival (Montréal en Lumière) runs February 16 to 26. montrealenlumiere.com , 514-288-9955 or 1-855-864-3737.