SPCO meets flamenco

Flamenco is as central to the musical DNA of Latino culture as the blues or jazz is to the U.S. It takes center stage in Mauricio Sotelo's "Red Inner Light Sculpture," for which violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja will be joined on stage by a flamenco dancer and percussionist, mezzo-soprano Nerea Berraondo and the string section of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Kopatchinskaja also features in the Concerto for Strings by Alberto Ginastera, marking the Argentine composer's birth centenary. Two works by Manuel de Falla close out this exceptionally colorful, attractive concert. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul. $13-$53, 651-291-1144, thespco.org.)

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The 80 years since Alban Berg's Violin Concerto was first performed in Barcelona have confirmed the work as among the 20th century's finest. German violinist Christian Tetzlaff is one of its leading exponents, and his pairing with the Minnesota Orchestra should strike sparks in Berg's searingly emotional masterpiece. Emotions also run high in the Fifth Symphony of Gustav Mahler, one of Berg's musical mentors, although a resounding optimism ultimately triumphs. Music Director Osmo Vänskä steers his Minnesota players through this powerful season-closing doubleheader. (11 a.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Orchestra Hall, Mpls. $29-$96. 612-371-5656, mnorch.org.)

For a smorgasbord of choral singing, check out the Minnesota Boychoir's annual spring concert. No fewer than six ensembles from the organization will take the stage, in a mix of sacred and secular music. From age 7 to high school and alumnus status, the full conspectus of young male vocalism is celebrated. (7 p.m. Sun., Ted Mann Concert Hall, University of Minnesota, Mpls. Free. boychoir.org.)

How often do you hear Vaughan Williams' "The House of Life," Barber's "Hermit Songs," Britten's "Donne Sonnets" and Hagen's "Songs of Fields and Prairies" performed in the same concert? All four cycles feature in a recital by sopranos Kelley Lokensgard and Jennifer LeDoux, with tenors Philip Rossin and Benjamin Wegner. A treat for art-song lovers. (7:30 p.m. Tue., Peace Lutheran Church, 1744 Walnut St., Lauderdale. Free.)

Summer beckons, and with it come the first al fresco concerts of the season, as the Minnesota Sinfonia loads its music stands with Strauss, Smetana, Sousa and others for a special family concert honoring the memory of Minnesota artist Anthony Caponi, at the park bearing his name. (7 p.m. Sun., Caponi Art Park, Eagan. Free. mnsinfonia.org.)

Terry Blain