For many casual classical music fans in Atlanta, the season begins and ends with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera. While both ensembles will be presenting new seasons filled with rewarding concerts, intrepid listeners that don’t mind straying a bit farther from Symphony Hall and the Cobb Energy Centre can hear captivating music from more intimate, equally polished ensembles.
The ASO with Garrick Ohlsson
For its opening weekend, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and music director Robert Spano welcome perennial favorite pianist Garrick Ohlsson performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3. The ASO rounds out the program with Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 5 and "Tromba Iontana" by John Adams. In celebration of Adams' 70th birthday, the ASO plans to perform a handful of Adams compositions throughout the season, continuing on with "The Chairman Dances" – a deleted scene, of sorts, from his opera "Nixon in China" – on Oct. 6. Sept. 22. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org
Atlanta Chamber Players
The opening concert of Atlanta Chamber Players' 41st season centers around a world premiere composition from Houston-based Mark Buller, winner of the 2016 Rapido! composition contest. The Rapido! win also netted Buller an ASO commission, which will be performed by the symphony in June. Also on the Atlanta Chamber Players bill are Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 7 and a trio composition by Albert Roussel. Sept. 27. New American Shakespeare Tavern. 404-594-3445. www.atlantachamberplayers.com
Atlanta Master Chorale
The Atlanta Master Chorale presents five concerts this season, capped by a May performance of "Ein Deutches Requiem" by Johannes Brahms. For more instant gratification, the 31-year-old, award-winning choir will present what it calls a "fanciful program of collected dreams" during its season-opening concert. Oct. 8. Schwartz Center for Performing, 1700 N. DeKalb Road, Atlanta. Arts. 404-727-5050. http://arts.emory.edu
Mike Mills rock concerto
Violinist Robert McDuffie performs "Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra," composed by former R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills. Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble will accompany McDuffie, who gave the world premiere of the virtuosic work with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in June during the ensemble's annual late-night concert. Oct. 28 at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. DeKalb Road, Atlanta. 404-727-5050. http://arts.emory.edu
Chamberlain Music
Local composers Brian and Nicole Chamberlain provide the chamber music for this evening of avant garde sounds at the relocated Eyedrum performance space on Forsyth Street. Works written for flute quartet and a trio of bassoon, flute and clarinet will be performed alongside Nicole's solo work. This is the first concert in the Eyedrum Composer's Concert Series. Oct. 29. Eyedrum Art & Music Gallery, 88 Forsyth St., Atlanta. 678-813-7860. www.eyedrum.org
Trio Settecento
These Chicago-based musicians have dedicated their careers to performing Baroque chamber music by Jean-Philippe Rameau and compatriots like Jean-Baptiste Lully on period-appropriate instruments. While the harpsichord is the backbone of this trio, the musicians' use of string instruments from the era gives the music, much of which was written in the 1600s, an authentic presence. Come early to for a pre-concert discussion with the musicians. Oct. 30. Spivey Hall, 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4200. www.spiveyhall.org
Lysander Piano Trio
Hailed as a "trio with brio" by the New York Daily News, the New York-based Lysander Piano Trio will bring a small-scale performance to the most vibrant recital hall in the metro area. The concert will feature works by Rachmaninoff and Peteris Vasks, capped off by the "Dumky" trio by Antonin Dvorak. The ensemble will hold a pre-concert talk at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at Spivey Hall, 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4200. www.spiveyhall.org
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