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THURSDAY

The 1971 film The Music Lovers irrevocably changed my perspective on Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s life and times. Director Ken Russell certainly exaggerates the turmoil and circumstances of the composer’s life, but it’s easy to imagine that Tchaikovsky was compelled to write the music he did. The film stars a young Glenda Jackson in a brilliant performance as a nympho obsessed with the composer, who marries her as a matter of convenience but prefers the attentions of his close friend Count Chiluvsky. Tonight the tumult can be heard in the live cannon fire of the 1812 Overture, when the National Symphony Orchestra performs “Cheers for Tchaikovsky.” Also featured are the Coronation March, Piano Concerto No. 1 (with soloist Terrence Wilson), and excerpts from the ballet Swan Lake. At 8:15 p.m. at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1624 Trap Road., Vienna. $15-29. (703) 255-1860. (Amy Domingues)