CLASSICAL

St. Mark's Church, on Locust Street, is one of the most serene sanctuaries in the city. It's one of a number of beautiful Episcopal churches here designed by the 19th-century master John Notman, but unlike the grandiose spaces he created at Holy Trinity and St. Clement's, St. Mark's confers a soothing, pastoral aura. It is a beguiling space for musicians, but the thick stone walls and high nave play havoc with the acoustics. There are a couple of exceptions; vocal music and small-scale period instrument groups match well to the precarious reverberations. So a concert that combines both of these musical sources bodes well as an opportunity to bask in a place far removed from the hectic swirl of modern life. Philomel, our city's pioneering baroque ensemble, has had plenty of experience in this venue. Their smartly paced and dulcet-toned playing is at home here. For a special concert sponsored by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, they will join forces with the Temple University Concert Choir, in a program from the heart of the baroque repertoire, in music of Bach, Corelli, Vivaldi and Handel.