Winter Concerts Preview: Upcoming Performances in Boston

Violinist Lisa Batiashvili. Image via Facebook

Among the few things to do around Boston while the air is blisteringly frigid is attending a concert or two, holiday-themed or not. The following is a list of interesting picks to check out as we try to keep cultured and keep warm.

Berklee’s David Fiuczynski's Guggenheim Fellowship Composition: Microtones, Birdsongs, and J Dilla

Enjoy this harmonious mixture of cultures as Berklee Professor David Fiuczynski premieres “Flam! Pan-Asian MicroJam for J Dilla and Olivier Messiaen” in early December. Featuring hip-hop beats, Chinese folk songs, Indian alaps, Japanese court tunes, and Turkish invocations, the delightful earful includes birdsong-based pieces, accompanied by a video of birds and their intertwining wild calls.

Dec. 7, 8:15 p.m., tickets $8 advance and $12 day-of, Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., berkleebpc.com

Boston Classical Orchestra: Holiday Concert

On December 10, head down to Faneuil Hall to celebrate the holidays with the Boston Classical Orchestra as they perform a free holiday concert. Hosted by Music Director Steve Lipsitt, the show will include the City-Wide Chorus’ performance of selections from Handel’s “Messiah.” And for a bit more holiday tradition, audience members will hear pieces from The Nutcracker and other popular season melodies.

Dec. 10, 7 p.m., free, Faneuil Hall, 4 South Market Building, bostonclassicalorchestra.org

Boston Baroque: First Day Concert

On New Year’s Day, start 2013 off right and relish the talent of Boston Baroque’s David Kravitz and Courtney Huffman as they perform Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona, which tells the tale of an old man and his young mistress. Concertos by Corelli and Talemann will also be featured. And if you’re not too hung over after a night of celebration, meander over to the free champagne table at intermission.

Jan. 1, 2013, 3 p.m., free, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge, bostonbaroque.org

Boston Celtic Music Festival 2013

The city of Boston has been hosting an exciting celebration of Celtic music and dance for almost a decade. The festival, featuring more than 100 different performances stemming from various seeds of Celtic culture, brings together all types of people honoring their roots or simply appreciating the style. This year, performers will include Kimberley Fraser, Michael O’Leory, the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club, and more.

Jan. 11, 4-8 p.m., and Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., First Parish Church (and other venues), 3 Church St., clubpassim.org/BCMFest

Boston Symphony Orchestra: Dutilleux, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Ravel

As the BSO continues to turn out spectacular shows, those looking for an excuse to dress up and take in a bit of outstanding classical music will waste no time at the upcoming winter performances. For one, in January, Lisa Batiashvili, a violinist of rising popularity, will perform in Tchaikovsky’s ultra-“Romantic Violin Concert.” Conducted by Alan Gilbert of the New York Philharmonic, other featured pieces will include Stravinsky’s “Symphony in Three Movements,” “La Valse by Ravel,” and “Dutilleux’s Métaboles for Orchestra.”

Jan. 10-15, 8 p.m. and Friday, 1 p.m., $33-$124,  Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, bso.org