The Claudia Quintet +1Drummer-composer John Hollenbeck’s quirky ensemble adds a sixth member in Philly pianist Matt Mitchell … and then one more, with vocal wizard Theo Bleckmann joining in to celebrate the release of Claudia’s new album, featuring the words of little-known Beat poet Kenneth Patchen.Nov. 19, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St. www.arsnovaworkshop.comPhiladelphia OrchestraA bright spot amidst the institution’s current troubles, music director designate Yannick Nezet-Seguin celebrates the Kimmel Center’s 10th anniversary and the orchestra itself with a program of works it has premiered, including Jennifer Higdon’s “Concerto for Orchestra.”Dec. 8-11, Kimmel Center Broad and Spruce streets 215-893-1999 www.philorch.orgPhilly Jazz LegendsChris’ Jazz Cafe rings in the new year with the city’s twin tenor titans, saxophonists Bootsie Barnes and Larry McKenna, along with a trio led by pianist Tom Lawton.Dec. 31, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131 www.chrisjazzcafe.comChucho ValdesThe renowned Cuban jazz pianist, founder of the legendary Latin jazz ensemble Irakere, leads his Afro-Cuban Messengers band on a program shared with Panamanian piano great Danilo Perez.Jan. 26, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.orgRandy Weston QuintetPianist Weston has been a pioneer of exploring the junction of jazz and African music for nearly 50 years.Feb. 4, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell 215-641-6300, www.mc3.eduChamber Orchestra of PhiladelphiaClarinetist Anthony McGill performs Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, while the orchestra premieres a newly commissioned work by guitarist-composer Steven Mackey.Feb. 12-14, Kimmel Center Broad and Spruce streets 215-893-1999www.chamberorchestra.orgOpera Company of PhiladelphiaTeaming with Teatro Comunale of Treviso, Italy, OCP presents Mozart’s comic “Abduction From the Deraglio” in a 1920s setting.Feb. 17-26, Academy of Music Broad and Locust streets 215-893-3600www.operaphila.org
