Live music and more, tonight through Thursday

Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Shaun Brady, Tom Di Nardo, James Johnson, Sara Sherr and Jonathan Takiff.

POP

Natalie MacMaster & David Bromberg Big Band: A darling of the Celtic music scene and a master of many Americana styles "fiddle about," maybe even together. The Angel Band completes this mini-folk-festival bill. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 tonight, $26-$59, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Tin Bird Rock: Area-based "alt-folk barn rockers" perform for free in the Kimmel Center lobby, before and after the above-mentioned big show. Commonwealth Plaza, Kimmel Center, 6 and 10 (approximately) tonight, free, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Bat For Lashes: Catch this commanding British pop chanteuse (Natasha Khan) and her all-female group, delving deep into the intriguing dualities (musical, emotional) of her material. Then run home and see BFL closing out "Late Night with David Letterman," recorded earlier in the day. Lewis & Clarke go exploring first. Sanctuary at First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8:30 tonight, $14 (all ages), 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Popa Chubby: As well-versed in Hendrix as he is in Waters, this massive talent serves up the blues with attitude galore. Warmdaddy's, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd, first set at 8 tonight and tomorrow, $15, 215-462-2000, www.warmdaddys.com.

Pat McGee: Road-proven roots rocker has dropped the "band" from his name and stage package, at least temporarily. Justin Trawick is the opener. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 10:30 tonight, $20, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Connie Talbot: Unlike on our "American Idol," any and all ages are eligible for the UK show "Britain's Got Talent." You've heard about the (formerly) gray-haired Susan Boyle, this year's big BGT breakout, right? Tomorrow, welcome Connie Talbot, a little darlin' who claimed runner-up status on the show two years ago when she was all of 6 - and still missing her two front teeth. Connie does a knockup job of that Whitney Houston hit "I Will Always Love You," which she'll surely perform at this meet, greet and autograph session. Boscov's, Moorestown Mall, Route 38, Moorestown, N.J., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. tomorrow, free.

Eric Bazilian: A double concert CD, "Both Sides Live," of Hooters hits, done (respectively) in electric and acoustic fashions, has just been announced for July 21 release, with tour dates to complement. Till then, co-leader Bazilian's out doing his thing, including songs that fans have never heard before. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $18, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Sarah Borges & Broken Singles: They're tough-struttin, bluesy-rockin', with a mess of good originals. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $13, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com

Adele: How many blue-eyed, female, retro-soul singers from Britain can the world embrace? Um, 19? No, that's just the name of Adele Atkins' massively successful album, and her age when she recorded it. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 p.m. Sunday, $29.50, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Otmar Liebert and Luna Negra: Neuvo flamenco guitar master strums up a storm, also infused with bossa nova, jazz and new age colors. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 4 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $39.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Jerry Blavat's Street Corner Harmony: The Geator gets it on with the Duprees, Cadillacs, Baby Washington, the Chantels, Lewis Lymon and more. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $41-$81, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Joanna Pascal: Jazz singer (a regular at Loews Hotel) serves up tunes from the Great American Songbook for the Kimmel's generous Spring Fling series. Commonwealth Plaza, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 6 p.m. Tuesday, free, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Franz Ferdinand: If these pumped-up rockers ruled the world, we'd all be dancing deliriously - at least until the revolution. With Born Ruffians. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $25, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Fischerspooner: Electro pop and performance art fuse in this intriguing group fronted by classically trained Warren Fischer and experimental theater performer Casey Spooner. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $19/$22. 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Junior Boys: Loaded with fresh ideas, this duo layers hip-hop rhythms on pop and R&B motifs. Londoner Max Tundra plows through first with computer-centric pop. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, $12/$14, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions. com.

Fastball: Sardonic Texas-based trio has been trying to score another hit since "The Way" delivered them a home-run album in 1998, "All the Pain Money Can Buy." But unlike in baseball, many rockers actually improve with age and hard knocks. Melliflous power popster John Faye opens this double header. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $16, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

South Memphis String Band: New, heritage-blues-minded supergroup includes Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers) and Alvin Youngblood Hart. Show opener's John Train. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Thursday, $21.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

John Doe & the Sadies: The X-man cometh again, this time doing a great job on growling, down-home country classics with his equally noteworthy sidekicks. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

HIP-HOP, R&B

U.City: Philadelphia's soulful duo of Aziz and Joshua Collins have been making waves with their recent sophomore effort, "The Fall." They'll be joined by Franklin Bridge guitarist/vocalist Curt Chambers. Pub Webb, 1527 Cecil B Moore Ave., 9 tonight, $5, 267-687-8256, www.pubwebb.com.

Writtenhouse: Philadelphia-based trio of rapper Charlie K. and producers Chris Conway and Kush will be joined by Jersey-based rhymer Cymarshall Law. Also performing are 8th1W and Manetane, with Deep of New York's 2 Hungry Bros. on the turntables and hosted by Zarinah. The Note, 142 E. Market St., West Chester, 8 p.m. tonight, $8, 21-plus, 484-947-5713, www.thenotewc.com.

Hip Hop Lives: Johnny Popcorn, the funk/rock duo of Hezekiah and Tone Whitfield, will be the main event at this edition of this long running first-Friday show. They'll be joined by Clean Guns, Electric City, Aquil and DJ Skipmode on the wheels of steel. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 10 tonight, $7, 21-plus, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com/thefire.

Front Line Philly Spring Music Review: Rapper Fel Sweetenberg, hip-hop group Writtenhouse and soul singer Jeanette Berry perform, plus local vendors and free food and wine for those over 21. Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-387-3434, www.studio34yoga.com.

Saturday Night Live: Hip-hop duo Outerspace's monthly party in University City is always a good time. As usual, DJ Cru-Cut will spin a nice mix of classic and current hits. Bubble House, 3403 Sansom St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 21-plus, 215-243-0804, www.thebubblehouse.com.

Del the Funky Homosapien: Veteran Oakland rhymer brings his unique style along with Mike Relm and Bukue One. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, All ages, 215-563-3980.

Celebrity Sundays: This special party series will feature a different celebrity host and DJ every week. For the kickoff, Mic-Got-It, of Illaphillyates, and DJ Akshun will do the honors, serving as host and DJ, respectively. Scruffy's Irish Pub, 2676 Bridge St., 9 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-533-9833.

Danny Diablo: New York-based hardcore rapper/rocker will be joined by Ceekay, Panic, Skam Dust, Diggy, AdLib, E-Life and Biz M!ghty. Alfies Nightclub, 2417 Welsh Road, 9 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-671-1460, www.myspace.com/256199162.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings: An incredibly talented vocalist coupled with an amazing band is typically a surefire success, but this Daptone Record's act has a stage show that takes them a few steps above incredible. Definitely a must see if '60s and '70s funk is your thing. Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $25 and $30, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Stones Throw Records: Peanut Butter Wolf's Cali-based label has one of the best rosters in the industry. The head honcho plans to show off some of that talent with a special DJ set along with sets from labelmates Mayer Hawthorne and Dam-Funk. Also on tap, a live performance by James Pants and his band, Royal Zodiac. North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $12 in advance, $15 day of show, 21-plus, 215-238-2695, www.northbowlphilly.com.

Lyrically Fit: Philly-based lyricist Unique highlights a massive underground hip-hop showcase. Also taking the stage will be Firm Taqtics, DaVinci, Black Caucus, Tank Nitty and Microphone Tone with DJ Trubb handling turntable duties for the evening. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-922-5483, www.thetroc.com.

In The Cut: Come help kick off the newest weekly party in the Northeast with the always on point DJ Cru-Cut spinning hip-hop, soul, funk and reggae. Scruffy's Irish Pub, 2676 Bridge St., 9 p.m. Thursday, free, 215-533-9833.

ALTERNATIVE

First Friday on Frankford Avenue: Avoid the Old City crowds - come North to these participating galleries, theaters and restaurants. One of the highlights is Memphis Flats' Philadelphia Orchestra benefit with swing music from the Slicked Up Nines, spirits from Philadelphia Distillery and art by Lars Leetaru. Memphis Flats, 1714 Memphis St., 6 tonight, free, donations encouraged, 215-427-1100, www.frankfordavearts.org.

Danielson: Eccentric leader of the Danielson Famile kicks off one of four dates at the Auction House Center for the Arts with a Dan Zimmerman record-release show, and other Danielson-related acts: Ben & Vesper, Ortolan, Leopudle and Lenny Smith. Auction House Center for the Arts, 100 W. Merchant Street, Audubon, N.J., 7:30 tonight, $8, all ages, www.auctionhouseevents.com.

Mountains: R5 faves and Thrill Jockey artists feature electro-acoustic drones and soundscapes. With Kuschty Rye Ergot, a psych ensemble led by D.C. multi-instrumentalist John Stanton, and Moral Crayfish. Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 tonight, $10, all ages, www.r5productions.com.

Adam and Dave's Bloodline: Local power poppers celebrate the release of "Boycott Classics" with Jotto and Faux Slang. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

The Kills: Highly fashionable blues-punk London duo makes a stop in Philly before frontwoman Allison Mosshart gets busy with Dead Weather, a new supergroup featuring Jack White and members of the Raconteurs and Queens of the Stone Age. Openers are hair-raising Bad Seeds soundalikes the Horrors. Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 9 tonight, $17, all ages, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

The Victims: First-wave punkers are the only non-Danzig/Misfits act on Plan 9 records. They include Richard Reilly of pre-Feelies band OutKids, Robert Gordon tourmate Barry Ryan, garage rock vet Steve Berman and drummer Mike Lincoln. With the Blessed Muthas, the Flyswatters and Filthy Rotten Sex Machine. El Bar, Front and Master streets, 9 tonight, $5, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Sex Dwarf '80s Prom: Hosted by WXPN's Robert Drake and Marilyn Thomas, the '80s dance party allows you to dust off your shoulder pads and have a much better prom this time around. Fluid, 613 S. 4th St., 9 tonight, free before 10 p.m., $5 after, 215-629-3686, www.djrobertdrake.com.

Emerge: Female answer to the queer dance party Blue Ball, this two-day event includes rapper Benni E, DJ Cozmic Cat and DJ JD tonight, and the closing event on Sunday features DJs KiT, the Baraness, BeFree, Andi and PreColumbian. Proceeds go to benefit LGBT charity Sapphire Fund. Pure, 1225 St. James St., 9 tonight, $20-40. Lucy's Hat Shop, 247 Market Street, 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, free, 267-514-2088,

http://emerge.sapphirefund.org.

Catwalk Tragedy: Alternative model competition and designer showcase features music by DJs Phranque and Mighty Mike Saga and judges Jayla Rubinelli, Lithium Picnic and Mosh. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $16-20, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Ignite Philly: Local artists, scientists, bloggers and others give five-minute presentations on a variety of topics. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, 8 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-739-9684, http://www.ignitephilly.org.

Golden Birthday: Mysterious Chicago electro group is a hazy mix of the Cocteau Twins and Magnetic Fields. With U.S. Girls, Tera Melos, Reading Rainbow and Heather Gray. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, www.myspace.com/dangerdangergallery.

Cut Off Your Hands: New Zealand buzz band has the magic formula of the Smiths and Echo & the Bunnymen. With Canadian Invasion and the Yarrows. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

England Belongs to Twee: Night of indie-pop and oi features guest DJ Kevin Pederson of What's Your Rupture Records, known for its impeccable roster of Love Is All, Comet Gain, Long Blondes and more. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Sgt Sass: Fierce queer rap duo parties with Planet Rump and DJ Phsh. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 9 p.m. Sunday, $6, 215-592-8838, www.myspace.com/phillysilkcity.

Pitom: Another act on John Zorn's Tzadik Records label, guitarist/composer Yoshie Fruchter is influenced by Zappa, Sonic Youth and Masada. With Jamie Harrison, Saint Solitude and Louis Elliot. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. Sunday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Loney Dear: Emil Svanangen is the man behind the Swedish bedroom electronic pop. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 8p.m. Monday, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Found with Sound: Davey and Peter Rothbart of Found Magazine throw a party for the release of their new book, "Requiem for a Paper Bag," which includes contributions by Seth Rogen, Chuck D, Sarah Vowell and Devendra Banhart. Event includes a talk by Davey, music from Peter and cocktails. Philadelphia Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10-$35,

http://paperbag.firstpersonarts.org.

The Dears: Orchestral, Smiths-worshipping Canadians return with Great Northern and Eulogies. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $15, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

MC Lars: Post-punk laptop rapper joins queer party band and Bee Team side project Dangerous Ponies. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 8p.m. Tuesday, $8, 215-592-8838, www.villagegreenproductions.net.

Park the Van Presents: Philly label hosts Cheers Elephant, New Orleans' Generationals and Brian Ashby, of the Teeth. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $7, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

JAZZ

Brian Betz Quartet: From student to peer, guitarist Betz has formed a fruitful collaboration with his former teacher, saxophonist Denis DiBlasio, who joins his protégé for this quartet gig. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Bruce Barth: During his four years with trumpeter Terence Blanchard, Barth garnered a reputation as a sensitive and understatedly dynamic pianist - a rep that has only grown as his discography has expanded. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

SHREDfest V: Guitarist Nick Millevoi continues his semi-regular series of high-energy, single-performance compositions, this time featuring a baker's dozen of local improvisers. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 7 p.m. Sunday, free (donations accepted), myspace.com/nickmillevoi.

Sci-Fi Philly: Weekly West Philly avant-jazz showcase hosts New York-based Loadbang Ensemble, local quartet Untitled Original and Microkingdom, the Baltimore duo of guitarist Marc Miller and drummer Will Redman. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

Reptet: Title of this Seattle sextet's CD - "Chicken or Beef?" - gives an idea of the band's sense of humor, though they can set the yuks aside for stirring ensemble playing as well. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 p.m. Monday, $10, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Bowerbird: "A Trio of Trios," hosted by the local experimental music presenting org, with local saxist Jack Wright joined by a pair of Italian improvisers, and two fantastic all-Philly threesomes. Plays and Players, 1714 Delancy St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10, www.bowerbird.org.

BALLET

Pennsylvania Ballet: The three works on the bill show off the company's diversity, beginning with choreographer-in-residence Matthew Neenan's "Keep," based on string quartets by Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakov. Robert Weiss' Octet for Strings sets the first movement of the Mendelssohn work, and Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen's 1977 "Five Tangos," based on Astor Piazzolla's fiery anthems, wraps the program. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, May 8-9, plus 2 p.m. May 9-10, $21.50-$126.50, 215-336-2000, www.paballet.org.

CLASSICAL

Opera Company of Philadelphia: Absolutely delightful double bill wraps the company's Academy season, both conducted by Corrado Rovaris and directed by Robert Driver, with sets by Guia Buzzi. Ravel's brilliant fairy tale of a petulant child who learns a life lesson, "L'Enfant et les Sortileges," and Puccini's raucous comedy "Gianni Schicchi," in which a 13th-century Florentine rogue outwits a greedy family, are both masterworks. The brilliant lovers are tenor Steven Costello, winner of this year's huge Richard Tucker award, and real-life mate Ailyn Perez, who gets to sing the soprano classic "O mio babbino caro." Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, 8 p.m. tonight and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $10-$130, 215-893-1999, www.operaphilly.com.

Voices Of Equality: Mendelssohn Club, led by Alan Harler, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus, under Joseph Buches, and the Anna Crusis Women's Choir (led by Jacqueline Coren) perform separately, then combine, 300 voices strong, for Cynthia Folio's "Voyage: I, Too, Can Sing a Dream," Peter Hilliard's "Consider Krakatau" and Robert Maggio's "Into the Light." Holy Trinity Church, 1904 Walnut St., 8 tonight, $20, www.mcchorus.org.

Chamber Music Now: Resident group Ensemble CMN has commissioned four works having to do with prison, so the ideal venue is the Penitentiary. Richard Belcastro's "Ann Hinson" was inspired by one of the facility's first women prisoners; Richard Brodhead's "The Prisoner Forsaken" sets a poem by John McIlvain about solitary confinement; and Philip Maneval investigates the religious aspects with "In My Thoughts a Fire Burned." David Laganella's "Electronic Voice Phenomenon" recreates ghostly sounds of the edifice. Eastern State Penitentiary, Cellblock 7, 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, 8 p.m. tonight and Sunday, $20, 215-605-9988, www.chambermusicnow.org.

Poor Richard's String Quartet: Resident group at this facility, founded by David Yang, premieres Kile Smith's first String Quartet, subtitled "The Best of All Possible Worlds." Plus Stravinsky's Canon and Shostakovich's Quartet No. 15. Christ Church, 2nd and Market Streets, 8 tonight, free, 215-922-1695.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Sir Simon Rattle returns with the dramatic oratorio by Berlioz, "The Damnation of Faust." It's so operatic that the Met gave it a staged adaptation this season, but Rattle will provide the full sonic treatment with four fabulous singers - mezzo Magdalena Kozena, tenor Gregory Kunde, bass-baritones Eric Owens and Thomas Quasthoff - plus the Philadelphia Singers Chorale. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Symphony in C: Rossen Milanov leads the orchestra in the "Sarka" movement from Smetana's Czech tribute "Ma Vlast" and Brahms' Second Symphony. Pianist Alessio Bax, who just received the prestigious Avery Fisher Award, solos in the rarely heard Piano Concerto by Dvorak. Gordon Theater, Third and Cooper streets, Camden, N.J., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15-$40, 856-429-1880, www.symphonyinc.org.

Academy of Vocal Arts: Donizetti's romantic melodrama, packed with scorching passions, magnificent arias and a famous mad scene, is a searing finale to the conservatory's season. Music director Christofer Macatsoris conducts the AVA Chamber Orchesra and his roster of brilliant young voices in this production, staged by Joshua Major. Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday and Thursday (tickets were tight at press time). More shows in Camden, Haverford and Warrington, through May 14; $48, 215-735-1685, www.avaopera.org.

James David Christie: Internationally famed American organist performs 12 works from the edges of the Baroque and French organ repertory, plus a heartfelt one of his own, to delight the growing cadre of organ fanciers. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 3 p.m. tomorrow, $19-$28, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

OperaDelaware: Mozart's masterpiece, "The Marriage of Figaro," gets a full staging, conducted by Mark Graf and directed by Joe Banno. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Del., 2 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. May 8-9, $25-$68, 302-652-5577, www.grandopera.org.

Wister String Quartet: Busy ensemble performs Quartets by Mozart (K.458, the "Hunt") and Dvorak, Op, 106. The program begins with Five Russian Pieces by Louis Gesensway, who was a local composer and Philadelphia Orchestra violinist in the Ormandy days. German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden St., 3 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-627-2332, www.germansociety.org.

Christoph Pregardien: Premiere German lyric tenor offers a program of magnificent German lieder, accompanied by Michael Gees. This team nabbed this year's European record of the year. They'll present Schumann's tender "Dichterliebe," seven classics by Hugo Wolf and three by Mahler, all true gems. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Curtis Opera Theater: Rossini's "ll Viaggio a Reims" requires a symphony orchestra and 19 gifted singers, a perfect fit for Curtis. In this tuneful romp, a bunch of odd characters from many countries meet and squabble at the Golden Lily inn on the way to the coronation of Charles X. Benjamin Shwartz conducts, with direction by Chas Rader-Shieber and scenic design by Judy Gailen. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and May 8, plus 2:30 p.m. May 10, $33, 215-569-9700, www.curtis.edu.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Sir Simon Rattle returns for a second guest week, leading the mighty Symphony No. 8 by Bruckner. The soloist is British pianist Imogen Cooper, who'll solo in the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 25. Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Thursday and May 9 plus 2 p.m. May 8, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Musicians from Marlboro: Performers associated with the famous Vermont summer music festival - five strings, clarinet, bassoon and horn - perform Nielsen's Serenata-In Vano and Haydn's Op. 76/4 Quartet, nicknamed the "Sunrise." The unusual roster also allows a rare performance of Schubert's sprawling Octet, D.803. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Thursday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.