MAY 4

'1812 Overture' (3 p.m., Lowell House Courtyard)

Students who leave the same-day 1 p.m. Russian bell-ringing concert jonesing for more Eastern European percussion are in for a treat: the Lowell House Society of Russian Bell Ringers will be performing again later that same afternoon, this time playing one of Tchaikovsky’s most iconic pieces of music, “1812 Overture.” Fitting for a piece of music that commemorates the Russian defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Borodino, this performance will feature simulated cannon fire as one of its highlights. Admission to this outdoor concert, a long-standing Lowell House tradition, is free of charge—bring a lawn chair or a blanket and sit outside in the courtyard to enjoy the music.

Vijay Iyer: Jazz on the Plaza (2 p.m., Science Center Plaza tent)

As a MacArthur Fellow, a Grammy nominee, and a member of the Harvard faculty, jazz pianist and composer Vijay Iyer is about as decorated as they come. This summer, his sextet is set to perform at the renowned Newport Jazz Festival; for Arts First, the group will give a taste of what they will be performing their free of charge. Graham Haynes, Mark Shim, Steve Lehman, Haris Raghavan, and Tyshawn Sorey will be joining him in a star-studded jazz concert.

'Symmetry Breaking' (10 p.m., Farkas Hall)

Ever wondered what art had to do with Higgs bosons (or what Higgs bosons were in the first place)? “Symmetry Breaking” can help you find out. The project is a creative thesis by Mariel N. Pettee ’14, a joint concentrator in physics and mathematics whose accolades include being named one of the OFA’s “Emerging Choreographers” and having interned at CERN. “Symmetry Breaking” takes the form of a piece of installation art that lets viewers wander the gallery space freely, ensuring that each visitor will have a different experience of the piece. Combining music, movement, poetry, and, of course, science, “Symmetry Breaking” has something for everyone.