Classical picks: MTT’s new work, Steinway Society and more
Here are three concerts Bay Area classical music fans should know about. “Rilke Songs” at S.F. Symphony: One of the great achievements of Michael Tilson Thomas’ tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony has been his leadership in the organization’s awardwinning Mahler recording project. This week, the recorders will be running again but Tilson Thomas, joined by two superb vocal soloists — mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny — will conduct the world premiere of his own composition, “Rilke Songs,” a six-part song cycle based on the poems of Rainer Maria Rilke. Audiences can expect more vocal brilliance in a performance of songs from Mahler’s “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” (which the symphony released on disc in 2010). Berlioz’s Overture to “Benvenuto Cellini” and Ravel’s “La Valse” complete the program. Details: 8 p.m. today through Saturday, 2p.m. Sunday; Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco; $20-$165; 415-8646000, www.sfsymphony.org. Pianos in Perfect Harmony: Pianists Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung are established solo artists, but as husband and wife, they also enjoy collaborating in duo recitals. This weekend, they’re guests in the Steinway Society’s 25th anniversary season, in a program that features Stravinsky’s “Petrushka,” Schubert’s Fantasie in F minor for Piano Four-Hands and works by Debussy and Piazzolla. Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose; $40-$60; 408-300-5635, www.steinwaysociety.com. Baroque and the Bard: Some of the brightest moments in recent seasons by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra have featured soprano Sherezade Panthaki, whose gorgeous tone and vivid expressiveness have made unforgettable contributions to the early music ensemble’s performances. Panthaki joins music director Nicholas McGegan and the Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players in a concert featuring works by Purcell, Locke, Arne and others — all with texts inspired by Shakespeare. Details: 8p.m. Saturday; Bankhead Theatre, Livermore; $20-$95; 925-373-6800, lvpac.org.