Superstars sing Schubert

Bass-baritone Eric Owens is building a formidable reputation as an operatic singer — he’s currently starring in Chicago Lyric Opera’s four-year production of Wagner’s “Ring” cycle. Owens joins forces with Twin Cities mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski, who crowns a remarkable year of achievement with this prestigious Schubert Club recital. The program is all Schubert, featuring favorites such as “Du bist die Ruh” and “An die Musik.” A highlight of the season for art song lovers. (10:30 a.m. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Thu., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul, $24-$66, 651-292-3268 or schubert.org)

‘Brandenburg’ concertos

J.S. Bach’s six “Brandenburg” concertos are widely regarded as the greatest orchestral compositions of the baroque period. Hear five of them bundled together in one evening, with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s outstanding soloists relishing virtuoso parts for flute, horn, harpsichord and viola. (7:30 p.m. Thu., Temple Israel, Mpls.; 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; 2 p.m. Sun., Benson Great Hall, Arden Hills; $5-$50, 651-291-1144 or thespco.org)

Bach Christmas blowout

Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” is a set of six choral cantatas describing the birth of Jesus. It was originally intended to be performed on separate days during the holiday season. Minnesota Orchestra gathers the first three cantatas for this program led by Bach specialist Helmut Rilling, also featuring the Minnesota Chorale and a quartet of international soloists. Bonus: The Saturday evening performance is a more casual affair, with music in the foyer and a $5 happy hour (plus free beer samples and opportunities to meet musicians after the concert). (8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $12-$96, 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org)

Rising guitar talent

Minnesota guitarist Xavier Jara recently returned from six years of studying in Paris. Find out why he’s rated one of the world’s most promising young classical guitarists when he plays Bach, Dowland, Albéniz and others. (8 p.m. Sat., Sundin Music Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul; $10-$25, mnguitar.org)

Brazilian music dynasty

Brazilian-American singer, pianist and composer Clarice Assad channels elements of jazz, classical and traditional Brazilian music. A year ago she released “Relíquia,” a collaborative effort with her famous guitar-playing father, Sergio Assad. Music from that album will dominate their Twin Cities debut as a duo. (7:30 p.m. Sun., Aria, Mpls.; $31, 651-292-3268 or schubert.org)

TERRY BLAIN