Academy of Vocal Arts: Verdi's Oberto A Romeo and Juliet -type tale is the basis for the rarely performed first opera from the musical theatrical genius from Parma. This will be a concert version, but with full orchestra. Jan. 26-27, Kimmel Center, avaopera.org.

Orchestra 2001: Voices from the Heartland This concert showcases the titular concluding seventh part of George Crumb's singular take on the American songbook, ?including what should be a very special version of "On Top of Old Smoky." The concert also continues O2001's season-long tribute to Pierre Boulez, as well as a local premiere from the dazzling Louis Andriessen. Jan. 28, Trinity Center, orchestra2001.org.

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia The sublime late-in-life Clarinet Concerto of Mozart is indisputably the greatest work written for that instrument. Hearing it played by the wonderful Anthony McGill should be a special treat. Dirk Brossé will also conduct the overture to Don Giovanni and a new work by the always stimulating Steve Mackey. Feb. 12-13, Kimmel Center, chamberorchestra.org.

The New York Philharmonic This will be a homecoming of sorts for the principal performers, conductor Alan Gilbert and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, both Philly schooled. She solos in "Les Nuits D'été, by Berlioz. The evening also features new music from Stephen Stucky, and a warhorse from Mussorgsky. Feb. 24, Kimmel Center, kimmelcenter.org.

Network for New Music, with the Mendelssohn Club Singers Jan Krzywicki is not exactly a household name, but the Temple U. music professor consistently writes some of the most beautiful and compelling work on the local new music scene. He will have a new chamber work, including voices, in a program of poetry-inspired pieces, including more new music from Cynthia Folio and Thomas Whitman. Feb. 26, Independence Seaport Museum, pcmsconcerts.org.

Jerusalem String Quartet The powerful string quartets of Dmitri Shostakovich may well be the finest contribution to the idiom since Beethoven. This superb young ensemble presents three of them on a single program. March 14, Independence Seaport Museum.

Opera Company of Philadelphia: Henze's Elegy for Young Lovers This 1961 chamber opera features a haunting story worthy of Ibsen, set to the extraordinarily rich music of a true modern master. Sung in English translation for this Philadelphia premiere. March 14, 16 and 18, Kimmel Center, operaphila.org.

The Philadelphia Orchestra The acclaimed conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen is also a fine composer, and will lead his Violin Concerto, to be played by Leila Josefowicz, in a program that also includes masterpieces by Bartók and Debussy. March 29-31, Kimmel Center, philorch.org.