John Shirley-Quirk is one of the most distinguished bass-baritones in the business and one of the most authoritative interpreters of music from his native England. He'll give a recital today for Community Concerts at Second that explores some of that music, including George Butterworth's A Shropshire Lad (based on A. E. Housman's poem of that name) and Gerald Finzi's Earth, Air and Rain (based on poetry of Thomas Hardy). A look at earlier British composers is also planned.

Having created roles in the last five of Benjamin Britten's operas and collaborated with the finest pianists and conductors around, Shirley-Quirk invariably brings a voice of authority to everything he does. That includes teaching at the Peabody Institute. The opportunity to hear this veteran artist recommends itself.

His recital, accompanied by pianist Robert Muckenfuss, is at 3:30 p.m. today at Second Presbyterian Church, 4200 St. Paul St. Admission is free.