Cello fellow

Cellist Anthony Ross marks 30 years with the Minnesota Orchestra, most of that time as principal cello. For his solo recital at Plymouth Congregational Church, Ross joins forces with pianist Mary Jo Gothmann to perform music by Bach, Brahms and Britten. (7 p.m. Tue., Plymouth Congregational Church, Mpls.; free, ­plymouth.org)

Gershwin on ice

The Ladyslipper Ensemble takes its "Classical Cabaret" to the industrial-chic setting of Minneapolis' Icehouse bar and eatery, with a program dominated by pieces from the 1930s and 1940s. That includes music by George Gershwin, Kurt Weill, Astor Piazzolla and Radamés Gnattali, performed by mezzo-soprano Sahar Hassan, violinist Helen Chang, cellist Jane Cords-O'Hara and pianist Oleg Levin. (7 p.m. Wed., Icehouse, Mpls.; $20, icehousempls.com)

Conductor's farewell

Roderick Cox's star rose considerably in the two years he served as the Minnesota Orchestra's associate conductor. Cox makes his final Twin Cities appearance in the role with "Symphony in 60," a program lasting about an hour with no intermission. Joining Cox will be stunning Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear for Beethoven's poetry-filled Fourth Piano Concerto. (Goodyear's Beethoven sonata recordings are something of a collector's item.) Also on the program are Esa-Pekka Salonen's "Helix" and Arvo Pärt's "Fratres." (6 & 8:15 p.m. Fri., Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $20-$40, 612-371-5656, ­minnesotaorchestra.org)

The classical is political

With "Speaking Truth to Power," the Minnesota Orchestra examines the role classical music has played in commenting on major social issues: the women's suffrage movement, the U.S. Civil War, Guantanamo Bay. Featured composers include Britten, Corigliano, Penderecki, Beethoven and more. Sarah Hicks conducts what's sure to be a fascinating Inside the Classics program. (8 p.m. Sat., Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $20-$50, 612-371-5656, ­minnesotaorchestra.org)

French connection

Returning for its fifth season, the Twin Cities Early Music Festival has become an unmissable part of Minnesota summer. This year's opening recital features the Lute2Viols consort, exploring Gallic influences during England's Elizabethan period. Featured composers include John Dowland and Ennemond Gaultier. (2 p.m. Sun., St. Paul Conservatory of Music Concert Hall, 1524 Summit Av., St. Paul; $5-$20, tcearlymusic.org)

TERRY BLAIN