Guarneri and Johannes String Quartets
The venerable Guarneri Quartet has been flying on autopilot far too often of late, but this program may provide just the jolt of energy it needs, thanks to the presence of the Johannes Quartet and a raft of exciting new music. The bill includes local premieres of works by William Bolcom, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Derek Bermel balanced by the much-loved octets of Mendelssohn and Shostakovich. Friday at 8 p.m., Jordan Hall. 617-482-6661, celebrityseries.org.
Firebird Ensemble
This adventurous local chamber band continues its "Meat the Composer" series, pairing contemporary classical music with, naturally, the joys of barbecue. This concert takes place at Redbones BBQ, and admission includes dinner and the chance to hear works by Lee Hyla, Jonathan Holland, Aaron Trant, Betty Wright, and many others. Tomorrow at 6 and 8 p.m. at Redbones, 55 Chester St., Somerville. 617-480-5112, firebirdensemble.com.
- Jeremy Eichler
