Tuesday Happenings

Image of Grizzler courtesy Axiom Gallery.

-- The NEC Contemporary Ensemble tackles an evening's worth of vocal works. NEC's chair of opera studies John Greer conducts the ensemble and presents the world premiere of his work Allegory of Sweet Desire. Also featuring Charles Ives's Fourteen Songs and Benjamin Britten's Serenade for tenor, horn, and strings. Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., 8 p.m. Free.

Improvisations

-- If you hear a racket emanating from the Green Street Station tonight, don't worry (more than usual) about the health of the Orange Line. Axiom presents a New Music Curious event featuring the improvisations of Jed Speare and Grizzler, an electro-acoustic ensemble of improvisers and sound artists. The evening has an interactive component, so be prepared to stump the saxophonist. Axiom Gallery, 141 Green St., Jamaica Plain, 7 p.m. $7 suggested donation.