Jason Vieaux at the John Knox Performance Series and Four More Classical Music Events To Hit This Week

No matter whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his silhouette or not this weekend, Cleveland can be counted on to do its own thing for the next six weeks. Sunshine or snow, Groundhog weekend offers some interesting events. Here are five.

One of the top classical guitarists of our era, Jason Vieaux appears with other musicians on chamber music series, solos with orchestras, and gives solo recitals — like the program he’ll play for the John Knox Performance Series at John Knox Presbyterian Church in North Olmsted on Friday, February 2 at 7:00 pm. On that occasion, the Cleveland-based artist will mix Spanish guitar classics with modern works by Hans Werner Henze and arrangements of music by Pat Metheny, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Duke Ellington. No admission charge, but a freewill offering will be appreciated.

Buffalo Philharmonic music director JoAnn Falletta will guest conduct the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra and Women’s Chorus on Friday, February 2 at 8:00 pm in CIM’s Kulas Hall. The two big works on the program are Zoltán Kodály’s Variations on a Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock) and Gustav Holst’s spectacular astrological suite The Planets. The concert is free.

Violinist Ken Johnston will revive the old tradition of leading an ensemble from the concertmaster’s chair when BlueWater Chamber Orchestra presents “Strings After Sundown” at Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights on Saturday, February 3 at 7:30 pm. The straight-through performance includes Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, a Dvořák Nocturne, and Arnold Schoenberg’s eerily beautiful Verklärte Nacht (“Transfigured Night”). You’ll need tickets to watch Johnston multi-task. Reserve them online.

This is the late Leonard Bernstein’s anniversary year, and Carl Topilow and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra are celebrating with a tribute to the composer and his close friend, choreographer Jerome Robbins, who was also born one hundred years ago. Together or separately, they brought West Side Story, On the Town, The King and I, Peter Pan, Gypsy! and other memorable shows to Broadway. The party starts on Saturday, February 3 at 8:00 pm in Severance Hall. Book your seats online.

The distinguished Dutch viola da gambist Jaap ter Linden will be in town for a recital with baroque flutist Kathie Stewart on Sunday, February 4 at 4:00 pm in Olmsted Community Church in Olmsted Falls. Works by Jacques Morel, J.S. Bach, and Telemann are on the agenda, and you’ll only be asked to make a freewill offering.

Check out details of these and many other classical music events on our Concert Listings page.