A once-in-centuries opportunity

While doing research at the Estense Library in Modena, Italy, 15 years ago, Garrick Comeaux happened upon a manuscript copy of "Il Tirinto," a comic opera by Bernardo Pasquini. First performed in 1672, it has lain dormant since, and a new staging by Comeaux's early music ensemble Consortium Classicum is the first in centuries. Sprightly, quick-witted and elegant, Pasquini's music slots somewhere between Monteverdi and Handel in terms of idiom, and should be handsomely served by a strong cast of Minnesota-based singers. A must-see premiere for operaphiles and lovers of the Baroque period. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; Ritz Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $10-$25, ­consortiumcarissimi.org.)

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Fifty years ago the Beach Boys released the prodigally inventive "Pet Sounds," an album routinely listed as among the greatest in rock history. It forms the basis of the annual "Covers" concert by vocal ensemble Cantus, which will perform all 13 songs from the record, plus other selections. With new, bespoke arrangements promised, this will be anything but a routine karaoke rejig, and Beach Boys aficionados should thrill to the delicious harmonizing and pinpoint accuracy that the nine Cantus men habitually bring to the table. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; Cowles Center, Mpls. $10-$35, 612-435-0055, cantussings.org.)

American composer Paul Moravec's "The Shining" recently premiered to widespread acclaim at Minnesota Opera, and there's an opportunity to sample his chamber music in a concert by the Mill City String Quartet. Moravec's "Vince and Jan" shares the program with works by Jocelyn Hagen and Kevin Puts. (7 p.m. Sat., James J. Hill House, St. Paul; 3 p.m. Sun., St. David's Episcopal Church, Minnetonka. Free, millcityquartet.com.)

The four female singers of Lumina are quickly carving out a niche in Twin Cities classical circles, and mark Memorial Day with a program featuring Victoria, John Ireland, Holst and others. Lumina performances have a special intimacy perfectly suited to the themes of mourning and remembrance explored in the music. (7 p.m. Mon., St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1895 S. Laurel Av., St. Paul. $10-$15 at the door only.)

The 10th annual Bach Tage study weekend at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis culminates in two free concerts open to the general public. A Brandenburg concerto and orchestral suite fill the first, while the second is a performance of Cantata 76, embedded in an evening prayer service. (4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 3045 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. Free, mountolivechurch.org.)

Terry Blain