The Claudia
Quintet +1
Drummer-composer John Hollenbeck’s quirky ensemble adds a sixth member in Philly pianist Matt Mitchell … and then one more, with vocal wizard Theo Bleckmann joining in to celebrate the release of Claudia’s new album, featuring the words of little-known Beat poet Kenneth Patchen.
Nov. 19, Philadelphia Art
Alliance, 251 S. 18th St. www.arsnovaworkshop.com
Philadelphia Orchestra
A bright spot amidst the institution’s current troubles, music director designate Yannick Nezet-Seguin celebrates the Kimmel Center’s 10th anniversary and the orchestra itself with a program of works it has premiered, including Jennifer Higdon’s “Concerto for Orchestra.”
Dec. 8-11, Kimmel Center Broad and Spruce streets
215-893-1999 www.philorch.org
Philly Jazz Legends
Chris’ Jazz Cafe rings in the new year with the city’s twin tenor titans, saxophonists Bootsie Barnes and Larry McKenna, along with a trio led by pianist Tom Lawton.
Dec. 31, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131 www.chrisjazzcafe.com
Chucho Valdes
The renowned Cuban jazz pianist, founder of the legendary Latin jazz ensemble Irakere, leads his Afro-Cuban Messengers band on a program shared with Panamanian piano great Danilo Perez.
Jan. 26, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org
Randy Weston Quintet
Pianist Weston has been a pioneer of exploring the junction of jazz and African music for nearly 50 years.
Feb. 4, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell
215-641-6300, www.mc3.edu
Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
Clarinetist Anthony McGill performs Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, while the orchestra premieres a newly commissioned work by guitarist-composer Steven Mackey.
Feb. 12-14, Kimmel Center Broad and Spruce streets
215-893-1999
Opera Company of Philadelphia
Teaming with Teatro Comunale of Treviso, Italy, OCP presents Mozart’s comic “Abduction From the Deraglio” in a 1920s setting.
Feb. 17-26,
Academy of Music
Broad and Locust streets
215-893-3600
