David Bratman

An Argentine-inspired program, with music by Pablo E. Furman and Astor Piazzolla, comes off successfully despite an unexpected podium shuffle.

An “introductory” first half, featuring works by Benjamin Britten and Mason Bates, nicely sets up a Brahms symphony on the second.

An expansive afternoon of chamber music is headlined by the marvelous Viano Quartet.

Guest conductor Earl Lee leads a substantial program of Tchaikovsky, Samuel Barber, and Carlos Simon.

Top-notch period performances by ensembles both large and small make the Carmel Bach Festival worth a weekend trip.

Emphasizing a through line over episodic diversions, this performance clarifies the piece’s overall design.

For its season finale, the orchestra ambitiously takes on Sibelius’s Second Symphony and an opener featuring high school players.

The orchestra’s passionate playing of four meditative pieces is emotional and gratifying.

The Bennewitz Quartet visits the San Jose Chamber Music Society with a program of Dvořák, Janáček, Smetana, and Hans Krása.

Winds and percussion are featured on a concert of works by Mozart, Richard Strauss, and Lou Harrison.