Performer: Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

In a vibrant Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra program, two repertoire staples were paired with an early Mendelssohn symphony that deserves to be better-known.

Jonathan Biss and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra explore Beethoven from two different angles – the early 19th and 21st centuries.

The musically meaty Piano Quintet of Amy Beach was the centerpiece of a varied program of works by women composers.

Continuing a decades-long holiday season tradition, the SPCO presents five of Bach's six Brandenburg Concerti in performances brimming with energy and élan.

Delivering winsome interpretations along with precision ensemble, the "conductorless" SPCO presents two youthful Schubert and Britten masterpieces that were created by their composers in mere days.

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra delivers a thrilling account of Schubert's Second Symphony, while pianist Jeremy Denk inspires in Mozart and chamber works by Schumann and Kurtág.