We've thrown everything at the problems of the planet — alternate energy sources, recycling programs, Earth Day — so why not throw Meredith Monk at them, too? “Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble: On Behalf of Nature” is the latest effort by the composer-choreographer, using her recent composition Realm Variations (for vocalists and instrumentalists) as her means to “evoke the Buddhist notion of joining heaven and earth by way of human beings.” So that's how you do it! Sometimes it takes 50 years to figure that out — but you, lucky pseudo-Buddhist, get to experience a gilded and glimmering sonic shortcut via Monk's music-theater work tonight. Performed by Monk & Vocal Ensemble (comprising eight voices, keyboards, violin, French horn, percussion, contra-bass clarinet and bass saxophone), “On Behalf of Nature” was created in collaboration with longtime preeminent ecological writers and researchers who have been banging the drum of conservation in the face of detrimental skeptics who, ironically enough, keep recycling bullshit like there's no tomorrow. Freud Playhouse, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Wstwd.; Fri., Jan. 18, 8 p.m.; $10-$45. (310) 825-2101, cap.ucla.edu.

Fri., Jan. 18, 8 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 19, 8 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 20, 2 p.m., 2013

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