tuesday
february 3
"Microcosm: Views of Microscopic Forms" This exhibit of color and black-and-white photos -- actually, photomicrographs, the proper term for images taken with a scanning electron microscope -- includes extreme close-ups of itsy-bitsy stuff like liquid crystalline DNA, human blood cells, mosquito antennae, hormones, vitamin crystals and the various faunas that lurk in the subworlds beyond our senses. Curated by the University of Hawaii's Dr. Dennis Kunkel and held in conjunction with the upcoming FotoFest '98, "Microcosm" includes 60 works by 19 photomicrographers; the pieces were selected by a jury of scientists and artists based on "artistic composition, originality, tonal balance and photographic quality." The exhibit opens today -- viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- and continues through April 26 (see Thrills for more info). The Museum of Health & Medical Science, 1515 Hermann Drive, 521-1515. $4; $3 for students, seniors and kids ages four to 12.
Houston Symphony Chamber Players Pianist Robert Spano, who's also guest-conducting the Houston Symphony in conjunction with the Houston Grand Opera's presentation of Billy Budd (see Friday), joins the Chamber Players for a program that includes Dvorak's String Quintet in G major; Poulenc's Trio for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon; and Shostakovich's Trio No. 2 for Violin, Cello and Piano. Showtime is 8 p.m. Stude Concert Hall at Rice University (entrance number 8, off University Boulevard). $15-$25 (Houston Ticket Center: 227-ARTS).
wednesday
february 4
"A Little Day Music" Air Mail Special, a quartet made up of members of the Houston Symphony, performs pieces ranging from Mozart chamber works to Duke Ellington tunes at noon as part of DaCamera's brown-bag concert series, which continues the first Wednesday of each month, through May. The Grand Foyer at Wortham Center, 500 Texas, 237-1439. More info: 524-7601. Free.
