Take note

**Math, truth and beauty. It's a provocative title -- "The Universe and the Teacup: The Mathematics of Truth and Beauty." And according to a number of critics and scientists, the book by K.C. Cole is a wise, witty and thought-provoking exploration of the wonders of mathematics. Ms. Cole, a science writer for the Los Angeles Times and recipient of the 1995 American Institute of Physics Award for best science writing, will discuss her book at Kepler's bookstore on Monday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Kepler's is at 1010 El Camino Real, in Menlo Park. For information, call 324-4321.

**Concert. The Melodiya Chamber Ensemble will perform music by Corelli, Lully, Haydn, Glinka, Smirnoff, Taneev and Vitali on Sunday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Presbyterian Church, 945 Portola Road, Portola Valley. The ensemble musicians, all originally from the Soviet Union, are members of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra. Tickets are $10, general; and $7, students; they are available at the door. For information, call 726-4494.

**Musical carnival. Pianists Rena Ling and Karen Hutchinson will join the Peninsula Symphony and the symphony's youth orchestras in a performance of Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware St., San Mateo. Zachariah Spellman will narrate poems by Ogden Nash during the performance. Also on the program is George Kleinsinger's "Tubby the Tuba." Tickets are $5, and will be available the day of the performance at the center's box office. They also may be ordered by calling the symphony office at 574-0244.