THRILLS

Sunday February 11 This is the modern world: The music of living composers is often overlooked, but it may well be accepted by future audiences much in the way that we now adulate Beethoven and Bach. The CU-Boulder College of Music is offering a week-long glimpse into that future during its Contemporary Music Festival, an offering of modern works performed by student and faculty ensembles. Most presentations, which begin tonight at 8 with a performance by CU's Electronic Music Ensemble, are free and will be held nightly at various Boulder campus venues, including the Music Theatre, Macky Auditorium and Grusin Music Hall. The festival culminates February 17 with the husband-and-wife vocal team William Bolcom and Joan Morris in a concert of American popular songs. For information and concert schedules call 492-8008.

Monday February 12 Go for Baroque: And bring a pastrami sandwich. St. John's Cathedral, 1313 Clarkson St., presents Music With Lunch today at 12:10, featuring trumpeter F. Joseph Docksey and resident organist Donald Pearson in Dagwell Hall. They'll perform Baroque music while you munch; bring your own (as suggested above) or purchase a bite at the door for four bucks. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; the music is free and so is the coffee. For details call 831-7115, ext. 17.

Tuesday February 13 Hand in hand: When was the last time you offered to take your sweetie to an art exhibit instead of a hockey game? Why not see a pair of shows currently hanging--and shamelessly celebrating togetherness and Valentine values--at the Foothills Art Center? Couples/Collaborations features installations and wall art by Colorado husband-and-wife teams who worked side by side and, we presume, stole smooches from time to time during the creative process. Included are collaborative pieces by Mary Ann and Eric Bransby, Betty and George Woodman, Tony Ortega and Sylvia Montero, Chandler Romeo and Reed Weimer, and Bob Luna and Martha Keating. Also on display is The Art of Love: Paintings and Writings of Melinda Camber Porter, a romantic journey combining visual and verbal elements. Porter--a novelist and a favorite of New York art maven Leo Castelli, who curated the show--will be in town to autograph her latest book next Friday at the Tattered Cover. Both exhibits continue through March 3; the center, located at 809 15th St., Golden, is open daily. Call 297-3922 for information.