Forgotten masterpiece
Edward Elgar's choral work "The Dream of Gerontius" is regarded as a masterpiece in his native England. In America, however, it has gained considerably less traction. It's been a full 100 years since the Minnesota Orchestra last performed the piece, for the first and only occasion. Former music director Edo de Waart made an acclaimed recording of "Gerontius" in 2013, and he's the ideal choice to lead this week's performances. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $29-$79, 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org)
Holy Hough
Stephen Hough was already known as one of the best pianists on the international circuit. Now his compositions are finding fanfare, as well. VocalEssence performs two of Hough's settings for the Christian Mass, one based on William Blake's poetry, the other named "Miracle Mass" after a car accident that Hough was lucky to survive. Bonus: Hough himself will be on hand to play piano pieces by Debussy. (8 p.m. Sat., Basilica of St. Mary, Mpls.; $20-$40, 612-371-5656 or vocalessence.org)
Anniversary concert
The Mill City String Quartet celebrates its 10th season with an all-American program including Samuel Barber's String Quartet (from which his famous Adagio was taken) as well as pieces by Copland and Justin E.A. Busch. A new commission for string quartet and flamenco guitar by Minnesota composer Jocelyn Hagen also features. (7 p.m. Thu., James J. Hill House Art Gallery, St. Paul; 3 p.m. Sat., St. David's Episcopal Church, Minnetonka; free, mill cityquartet.com)
All together now
Do you fancy singing in choirs? Or perhaps you're a fan of Mozart's Requiem? Here's an opportunity to indulge both passions. St. Paul's United Church of Christ hosts an open sing to benefit Minneapolis-based American Refugee Committee. Rehearsal starts at 2:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. performance. No auditions or preregistrations necessary. (Sun. St. Paul's United Church of Christ, St. Paul; free)
