Mitsuko Shirai The haunting songs of Mahler, as rendered by a master mezzo-soprano of our time. With Hartmut Höll on piano.

Jan. 24, Pennsylvania Convention Center Auditorium, 13th and Cherry sts., 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

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1807 and Friends The superb homegrown chamber ensemble continues its tour of the musical capitols, with a call to la belle France, featuring music of Gaubert, Fauré and Ravel.

Feb. 13, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St., 215-438-4027, www.avaopera.org.

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The Philadelphia Orchestra Simon Rattle leads a premiere of music by Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina, as well as the beloved Brahms Fourth.

Feb. 16-18, Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

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Boston Symphony Orchestra James Levine shows off his superb new orchestra in an amazingly daring program of Strauss, Lieberson, Carter and Beethoven.

March 10, Verizon Hall, www.kimmelcenter.org.

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The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia Music director Ignat Solzhenitsyn conducts a program of the ever-fascinating Schumann, who died 150 years ago this year.

March 12-13, Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St., 215-545-1739, www.chamberorchestra.org.

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Anton Kuerti, piano The introspective and deeply expressive pianist brings us one of his signature all-Beethoven recitals.

March 14, Perelman Theater, www.kimmelcenter.org.

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Philomel Baroque Orchestra A celebration of the letter V! From Venice, music by native son Vivaldi played by oboist Virginia Brewer.

March 17, Christ Church, Second and Market sts.; March 19, The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., 215-487-2344, www.philomel.org.

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Network for New Music A poetry project; words of Sonia Sanchez set by Fluellen, Mumford, Solot and Weesner, performed in an architectural wonder.

March 19, Church of the Advocate, 1801 Diamond St., 215-848-7647, www.networkfornewmusic.org.

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Prism Quartet Italian modernist Salvatore Sciarrino tackles old masters such as Bach and Mozart, newer figures like Gershwin and Cole Porter, filtered through a saxophone quartet.

March 19, Trinity Center for Urban Life, 22nd and Spruce sts., 215-569-9700, www.prismquartet.com.

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Skampa Quartet This wonderful young ensemble plays music by masters from the last three centuries; Mozart, Beethoven and Shostakovich.

March 24, American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut St., 215-569-8080.

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Relâche Local composer Jay Fluellen presents "In Search of a Better World," a Ben Franklin tribute inspired by jazz, classical and spiritual influences. With the 20-voice chorus of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.

March 25-26, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.; May 7, African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 6361 Lancaster Ave., 215-574-8248, www.relache.org.

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The Philadelphia Orchestra Christoph Eschenbach continues his Mahler festival with the composer's most sublime achievement, the song cycle "Das Lied von der Erde," with baritone Thomas Hampson.

April 19-22, Verizon Hall.

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Midori The superstar fiddler skips the usual peaches and cream in favor of a program of mostly new music by Weir, Yun, Goehr, Kurtag and Lutoslawski for Kimmel's spunky Fresh Ink series. You go, girl!

April 22, Perelman Theater.

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Orchestra 2001 A one-day new-music fest, including works from local yokels (kidding) Levinson, Reise and Primosch. Composers will be on hand for meet and greet.

April 22, Trinity Center for Urban Life, 215-922-2190, www.orchestra2001.org.

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Duo con Forza Crowd-pleasing guitar pair presents music by modern masters Jay Reise, Jan Krzywicki and … Led Zeppelin? Presented by Chamber Music Now!

April 29, Ethical Society Hall, Rittenhouse Square, 215-605-9988, www.chambermusicnow.org.

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Piffaro, The Renaissance Band, with Matthew Glandorf, organ On the eve of the premiere of the massive Kimmel organ, here's a showcase for the more intimate beauty of a great church instrument.

April 30, St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St., 215-235-8469, www.piffaro.com.

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Tempesta di Mare This exciting and sort-of-new period instrument ensemble concludes a series of music exploring the birth of symphonic music with works from 18th-century Central Europe.

May 13, St. Mark's Church, 215-755-8776, www.tempestadimare.org.