SPCO artistic partner

Jonathan Cohen recently has emerged as one of the classical world's most insightful conductors of baroque repertoire. And now the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has signed the English musician to its roster of artistic partners. Cohen leads the orchestra from the harpsichord in Pergolesi's gorgeous setting of the "Stabat Mater" and in a Concerto Grosso by Locatelli. The program also includes the Symphony No. 7 of Joseph Haydn, a composer the SPCO plays scintillatingly well. (11 a.m. & 8 p.m. Fri., 8 p.m. Sat.; Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; $15-$53, 651-291-1144 or thespco.org)

Spiritual Liszt

Franz Liszt is known as the greatest pianist of the 19th century and the first classical "superstar," but that ignores the important role of religion in his life. Liszt's contemplative side is fully evident in his "Via Crucis," a somber meditation on Christ's crucifixion, for choir and organ. The work receives a rare performance in this Good Friday concert by St. Mark's Cathedral Singers. Also featured is Marc-Antoine Charpentier's "Le Reniement de St. Pierre," a dramatic motet describing Peter's denial of Jesus. (7:30 p.m. Fri., St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Mpls.; free, ourcathedral.org)

U of M flute star

University of Minnesota grad Linda Chatterton is one of the foremost flutists of her generation. Chatterton returns to her alma mater for a recital of works by Locatelli, Debussy, Ibert, Ravel and Piazzolla, accompanied by guitarist Maja Radovanlija. (7:30 p.m., Mon.; Lloyd Ultan Recital Hall, University of Minnesota, Mpls.; free, events.umn.edu)

Dvorak's 'Dumky' trio

Cellist Scott Lykins is co-founder of Brainerd's excellent Lakes Area Music Festival (coming July 30). He joins two of his fellow musicians from the festival — violinist Francesca Anderegg and pianist Timothy Lovelace — in a recital showcasing Dvořák's best-known piano trio, known as the "Dumky," as well as the six Romanian Folk Dances of Béla Bartók. (Noon, Thu.; Landmark Center, St. Paul; free, schubert.org)

Rapper's delight

Minneapolis rapper, chanteuse and writer Dessa brings fresh ideas to her debut collaboration with the Minnesota Orchestra. She's sure to ignore the orchestra's usual genre-defining boundaries while trading licks with conductor Sarah Hicks and the orchestra's players. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $30-$60, 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org)

TERRY BLAIN