BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Andris Nelsons leads the BSO and the dynamic soprano Barbara Hannigan in the local premiere of Hans Abrahamsen’s “let me tell you,’’ to be heard on a Shakespeare-themed program with works by Shostakovich and Prokofiev (Feb. 4-6). Also not to be missed: Vladimir Jurowski’s return to the podium, with works by Karl Amadeus Hartmann, Beethoven, and Haydn on a program featuring violinist Alina Ibragimova in her Boston debut (Feb. 18-20). Symphony Hall. 617-266-1200, www.bso.org
MORE ORCHESTRAS A Far Cry continues its Gardner Museum series with a program titled “Intimate Voices,’’ featuring works by Penderecki, Sibelius, and Arvo Pärt. (Feb. 7, 617-278-5156, www.gardnermuseum.org). And Benjamin Zander leads the Boston Philharmonic in works by Schumann, Elgar, and Mendelssohn (Feb. 18-21, 617-236-0999, www.bostonphil.org).
ANDRAS SCHIFF The eminent pianist returns to Boston with a recital he is calling “The Last Sonatas,’’ devoted to the final keyboard thoughts of Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. Feb. 26, 8 p.m. Jordan Hall, 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org
TETZLAFF TRIO The eloquent violinist Christian Tetzlaff teams up with cellist Tanja Tetzlaff (his sister) and pianist Lars Vogt for trios by Schumann, Dvorak, and Brahms. Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Jordan Hall, 617-482-6661, www.celebrityseries.org
HANDEL AND HAYDN SOCIETY Bach’s “St. John Passion’’ (March 11 and 13) and Handel’s oratorio “Saul’’ (April 29 and May 1) are on the winter/spring agenda for the period-instrument orchestra and chorus. All four performances will be led by Harry Christophers in Symphony Hall. 617-266-3605, www.handelandhaydn.org
‘WERTHER’Canadian tenor Joseph Kaiser sings the title role in Boston Lyric Opera’s new production of the Massenet classic. Crystal Manich directs, and David Angus conducts a cast that also includes Sandra Piques Eddy, Rachele Gilmore, and John Hancock. March 11-20, Shubert Theatre. 617-542-4912, www.blo.org
‘UTOPIAN LISTENING’
The late electroacoustic music of the Italian avant-gardist Luigi Nono is the focus of a unique conference — presented by Tufts in partnership with Harvard — culminating in four all-Nono concerts with performers to include Claire Chase (flute), Miranda Cuckson (violin), and Evan Ziporyn (clarinet). March 25, 26. Granoff Music Center, Tufts University. Details at www.music.fas.harvard.edu/nonoconcert.html
CANTATA SINGERS David Hoose presides over Brahms’s “German Requiem,’’ on an enticing program that also includes works by Bach and Webern. April 1, 8 p.m., Jordan Hall. 617–868-5885, www.cantatasingers.org
‘THE MAGIC FLUTE’Martin Pearlman’s Boston Baroque offers two semi-staged performances of the Mozart favorite, with a cast that includes Nicholas Phan as Tamino and Leah Partridge as Pamina. April 15, 16, 7:30 p.m., Jordan Hall. 617-987-8600, www.bostonbaroque.org
LES ARTS FLORISSANTS William Christie’s esteemed Baroque ensemble makes a rare local appearance, presented by the Boston Early Music Festival. The program will be devoted to secular vocal music from the salons of 17th-century France. April 24, 7:30 p.m., Sanders Theatre. 617-661-1812, www.bemf.org
Jeremy Eichler can be reached at jeichler@globe.com
