This week’s offerings range from a period-instrument string quartet to two ensembles straddling the border between classical and jazz. But there’s also Brahms, Bruckner, Puccini, and a tribute to composer Richard Wernick, who celebrated his 91st birthday in January. In other words, just like Philadelphia: something for everyone.
Spotlight: Franklin Quartet — Sunday, Church of the Good Shepherd, Bryn Mawr
When was the last time you heard a period-instrument string quartet? Philadelphia has but one — the Franklin Quartet — and now you can hear them in a program titled We Women, exploring works by women from the 18th and 19th centuries. You know something is afoot when the best-known name on the roster is Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. Show up for her, and stay for lesser-known works by Emilie Mayer (1812-1883), Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen (1745-1818), and Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853-1894). For additional context, the afternoon includes poems by Edith Södergran (1892-1923), read by author Melanie Bookout.
Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., Church of the Good Shepherd, 1116 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, $10-$30; tickets and information.
Musicians from Marlboro II — Wednesday, Perelman Theater
For those who enjoyed last fall’s first Musicians from Marlboro outing, here comes round two, with two works by Schumann surrounding a bit more Kurtág (Hommage à R. Schumann), and ending with Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet. The stellar roster of artists — Maria Ioudenitch and Stephanie Zyzak (violin), Hiroki Kasai and Natalie Loughran (viola), Peter Stumpf (cello), Evren Ozel (piano), and Sang Yoon Kim (clarinet) — is yet another testament to the avalanche of talent on today’s scene.
Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut Street, sold out, but call 215-569-8080 or email boxoffice@pcmsconcerts.org to join the waitlist; tickets and information.
Brahms’ Fourth Symphony — Friday through Sunday, Marian Anderson Hall
Among the many delights of this program is a rare appearance by Fabio Luisi, who currently holds conducting spots with orchestras in Copenhagen, Dallas, and Tokyo, and will likely be an elegant advocate for Brahms’ Fourth Symphony. Before that comes superstar Leonidas Kavakos, in the Violin Concerto by Korngold, which quotes from four of the composer’s sumptuous film scores. But not to be overlooked is the opener, Bent Sørensen’s Evening Land (2017), commissioned by the New York Philharmonic, and based on two contrasting life experiences: the composer’s early years on a small Danish island, and his time decades later in New York City. The New York Times called it “stirring…tracing a symmetrical arc, from quiet, through frenetic and eruptive activity, back to quiet.”
Feb. 21 and 23 at 2 p.m., Feb 22 at 8 p.m., Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $25-$195; tickets and information.
Main Line Symphony Orchestra — Friday, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
When pondering Anton Bruckner, much of the focus is on his last three (admittedly great) symphonies, Nos. 7, 8, and 9. But less attention is paid to the Sixth, part of this evening by the Main Line Symphony Orchestra, and with its own unique delights, such as its gorgeous slow movement. But wait, there’s more! So no one goes home hungry, the ensemble will open with scenes from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Tosca, Gianni Schicchi, and La bohème, featuring four soloists and five choirs, all led by music director Don Liuzzi.
Feb. 21 at 8 p.m., Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr, $15-$20; tickets and information.
“Companions” — Friday, Settlement Music School, Germantown Branch
In honor of the composer Richard Wernick, who turned 91 in January, the estimable Network for New Music presents his duo for cello and piano. The “companions” are works by some of Wernick’s students: Ingrid Arauco, David Crumb, Philip Maneval, Yinam Leef, and Jay Reise, plus premieres by TJ Cole and Eliza Brown. From 1968 to 1996, Wernick taught at the University of Pennsylvania, and for a decade served as new music advisor to conductor Riccardo Muti, during his tenure with The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.,Settlement Music School, Germantown Branch, 6128 Germantown Avenue, $2.99 to $26.50; tickets and information.
Fire Museum Presents — Sunday, The Perch
Had enough of “the three B’s”? In the mood to go boldly, following in no one else’s footsteps? You could do a lot worse than this program with two different trios, each specializing in experimental works that blur the lines between classical and jazz. Saxophonist Erin Rogers is a member of the International Contemporary Ensemble, and her New York-based percussionist colleagues, Nava Dunkelman and Payton McDonald, have ties with a galaxy of new music ensembles around the world. Members of the second trio — violinist Carlos Santiago, bassist Pete Dennis, and percussionist Julius Masri (who also plays other instruments), all based in Philadelphia — are also affiliated with some of the most innovative groups on the planet.
Feb. 23 at 8 p.m., The Perch, 2321 Emerald Street, $10-$20; tickets and information.
