Dec. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., Dec 21 at 2 p.m., Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, sold out; tickets and information<\/a>.<\/p>\n Matthew Polenzani and Ken Noda <\/b>\u2014 Tuesday, Perelman Theater<\/p>\n The celebrated lyric tenor Matthew Polenzani<\/a> is so busy on opera stages that a recital is a relatively rare occurrence for him. That makes this Philadelphia Chamber Music Society offering an essential event. Half the program focuses on Schubert\u2019s poignant cycle Schwanengesang (\u201cSwan Song\u201d). One of his very last works, it\u2019s an achingly beautiful evocation of love found and, all too soon, forever lost. The other half is quite a contrast, devoted to Italian songs and arias from Donizetti to Verdi to Tosti. The whole is a testimony to Polenzani\u2019s versatility. He\u2019s joined by a sensitive collaborator, longtime Metropolitan Opera vocal coach and virtuoso pianist Ken Noda<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $32; tickets and information<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pianist Jonathan Biss (left) and violinist Mark Steinberg (right)<\/p>\n Mark Steinberg and Jonathan Biss <\/b>\u2014 Thursday, Perelman Theater<\/p>\n Another special pairing from PCMS. Violinist Mark Steinberg<\/a>, of the distinguished Brentano Quartet, and pianist Jonathan Biss<\/a>, co-artistic director of the Marlboro Festival and School, devote their recital to sonatas for violin and piano by Mozart. Expect an insightful and absorbing evening from two artists of deep and broad chamber music experience.<\/p>\n Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $32; tickets and information<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tempesta di Mare: Handel\u2019s Messiah <\/b>\u2014 Thursday through Dec. 21, various locations<\/p>\n Everywhere you look this Christmas season, there\u2019s another Messiah. That\u2019s no reason to complain, as Handel\u2019s enduring oratorio shines in varying interpretive approaches. Philadelphia\u2019s sterling baroque orchestra is well-positioned for an entry featuring period instruments and performance practice. They team up with a Wilmington-based choir (Christ Church Christiana Hundred) and a quartet of soloists with impressive Baroque performance credentials, for performances in Chestnut Hill, Center City, and Wilmington.<\/p>\n Dec. 18 through Dec. 21, $35-$55; locations, times, and ticket options are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead:<\/b><\/p>\n Philadelphia Orchestra: Disney\u2019s Fantasia in Concert <\/b>\u2014 Jan 2\u20134, Marian Anderson Hall<\/p>\n Everyone who has seen this 1940 animated classic film remembers favorite moments: Mickey Mouse as an overextended Sorcerer’s Apprentice in Dukas\u2019 classic symphonic fairy tale; the deliciously ridiculous sight of hippos and ostriches waltzing to Ponchielli\u2019s Dance of the Hours; or an elaborate scenario from classical mythology to accompany Beethoven\u2019s \u201cPastoral\u201d Symphony No. 6; among other treats. The animation is a wonder, and the musical performances are likely to meet its standard, with today\u2019s Fabulous Philadelphians playing live to recreate the score that was originally performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra<\/a> of 85 years ago. Though this presentation is part of the Orchestra\u2019s Family Discovery Series, there\u2019s no requirement to bring a child. If this is one of your favorites, just give in and be the kid yourself for a few hours.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n