Accordo Czechs in

A strong Czech influence infuses the latest recital by chamber ensemble Accordo, featuring leading players from the Minnesota and St. Paul Chamber orchestras. Dvorak's beloved "American" Quartet shares the program with Martinu's Three Madrigals. Pianist John Novacek guests in the Piano Trio by American composer Leon Kirchner. (7:30 p.m. Mon., Plymouth Congregational Church, Mpls., $21-$32.50, 651-292-3268 or schubert.org)

Minnesota Choral Christmas

Of the many choral concerts vying for attention this holiday season, none is more interestingly programmed than VocalEssence's "Welcome Christmas." Works by Dominick Argento, Stephen Paulus and Libby Larsen give the concert a distinctive Minnesotan flavor. There's even a premiere for Twin Cities composer David Evan Thomas' "Carol of the Night," winner of VocalEssence's 20th Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville; 4 p.m. Dec. 9 & 10, Plymouth Congregational Church, Mpls., $20, 612-371-5656 or vocalessence.org)

A Baroque Christmas

Early-music collective Flying Forms puts its historical instruments — violin, lute, cello, recorder and harpsichord — to work on a selection of holiday carols, villancicos, fiddle tunes and lute songs. Also featuring soprano Carrie Henneman Shaw. (7:30 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., Baroque Room, St. Paul; $15-$20, thebaroqueroom.com)

Global holiday songs

A soprano plus four male voices is the unorthodox lineup used by the award-winning German vocal group Calmus. Their Twin Cities recital features an intriguing mix of Christmas music from around the world, from 16th-century Italian madrigals to traditional songs from France, Germany, Sweden, England and the U.S.A. (4 p.m. Sun., St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, St. Paul, $21-$31, 651-292-3268 or schubert.org)

Celebrating Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky is widely acknowledged as the greatest classical composer of the 20th century, but parts of his protean output remain unfamiliar to many listeners. The Chamber Music Society of Minnesota shines a light on Stravinsky's songs and chamber music, with Twin Cities soprano Maria Jette soloing and narrating "The Soldier's Tale Suite." The program concludes with the premiere of "earthbird" by Twin Cities composer Steve Heitzeg. An unmissable treat for chamber music aficionados. (4 p.m. Sun., Sundin Music Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul, $15-$25, 651-450-0527 or chambermusicmn.org)

TERRY BLAIN