Philosophy can be difficult to read, but how about listening to it? Marilyn Nonken, celebrated concert pianist and director of piano studies at the Steinhardt School of New York University, will perform a concert titled "Philosophy in Music" in a daring attempt to communicate challenging philosophical concepts musically. The concert will consist of six pieces by various artists including John Cage's famous 4'33" and works by Charles Ives, Michael Finnissy and Pascal Dusapin, and Richard Beaudoin, who is an assistant professor of music at the College. (Fri., 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center. No admission charge.)

As the Carnival approaches its end, excitement is mounting for Mardi Gras. Join in on the fun and celebrate this exciting event at the 39th Casino. Play poker with your professors, bet on roulette or try your hand at blackjack. You can listen to the smooth sounds of the Blue Nomads or mingle in the champagne room, given, of course, you have a valid ID. All of the proceeds will help fund the education of refugees and nationals in Africa. (Fri., 9 p.m., Valentine Dining Hall. Tickets $7 at the door and $10 to play.)

It's surprising that we don't know more about the Greeks and Romans when we owe so much to them. Tessa Rajak, professor of ancient history and classics at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, will help answer some our lingering questions when she presents a lecture titled, "Did Pagans Read the Greek Bible? The Reception of the Septuagint in Graeco-Roman Culture." (Wed., 4:30 p.m., Pruyne Lecture Hall, Fayerweather Hall. No admission charge.)

"Excavating Egypt: Great Discoveries from the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology," traces the development of Egyptian archaeology from its beginnings in the 1880s to the present day. On view are one of the world's oldest surviving dresses (c. 2400 BCE), royal art from the palace-city of the "heretic pharoah" Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, a gold mummy mask, jewelry, stone sculpture and objects of daily life ranging from copper tweezers to a ceramic rat trap. (Tues., 11 a.m., Mt. Holyoke College Art Museum. No admission charge.)