eyeopeners
Classical picks: Holiday shows with Anne Sofie von Otter 2019 is winding down, but there are still holiday classical concerts to make the season bright. Here are four for the weekend. Von Otter at New Century: The New Century Chamber Orchestra has a special guest this week. “Christmas with Anne Sofie von Otter” features the glamorous Swedish mezzo-soprano in arias from J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” Vivaldi’s “Giustino” and traditional songs of the season. Music director Daniel Hope conducts the program, which includes works by Corelli and Handel, and also serves as soloist in “Winter” from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” Details: 7:30 p.m. today at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, San Francisco, 7:30 p.m. Friday at First Congregational Church, Berkeley; $30-$76.50; www. ncco.org. A “Night” to remember: Davies Symphony Hall is decked out for the holidays, and the San Francisco Symphony has saved one of its best seasonal events for last. “’Twas the Night” features the symphony’s chorus and brass section — with the San Francisco Girls Chorus as special guests and Jonathan Dimmock on the majestic Ruffatti organ — in a program of Bach works, traditional carols and sing-alongs. Ragnar Bohlin conducts. Details: 7:30 p.m. today and Friday; Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco; $29-$119; 415-864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org. Choral “Gifts” on tap: The Choral Project closes 2019with “Winter’s Gifts: Spirit.” Barbara Day Turner conducts the concert, which features works by Arvo Pärt, Dominick Argento, Anica Galindo, Daniel Hughes and others, with guest artists mezzo-soprano Malin Fritz and pianist Donna Stoering. Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto; 7p.m. Sunday at Mission Santa Clara; $10-$35; www. choralproject.org. Classical Sunday afternoon: When they’re not playing with top orchestras, Bay Area musicians like to stretch out in new configurations. Janet Popesco Archibald, recently retired after 35 years as the San Francisco Opera’s principal English horn, brings her Lowell Trio to Armando’s nightclub in Martinez on Sunday. With flutist Leslie Chin and pianist Julie Nishimura, the threesome will play classical works and holiday favorites. Details: 4p.m.; $15at the door, must be 21or older; armandosmartinez.com.