Critic's picks - classical music

PAAVALI JUMPPANEN Some piano recital programs scale the peaks of the literature and then return to earth with contrasting repertoire. Others just keep floating. This Finnish pianist has the latter flight path scheduled, as he completes his eight-part traversal of the complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas with the extraordinary trio of late works, Opp. 109, 110, and 111. Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m. $23, Gardner Museum, 617-278-5156 or www.gardnermuseum.org

BOSTON BAROQUE Martin Pearlman leads the ensemble and chorus in their annual rendition of Handel's "Messiah." The soloists will be Tamara Matthews, Alan Dornak, Keith Jameson, and Kevin Deas. Dec. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., $25 to $69, Jordan Hall, 617-484-9200 or www.bostonbaroque.org

BOSTON CAMERATA Music director emeritus Joel Cohen has assembled this program entitled "The Brotherhood of the Star: A Hispanic Christmas, 1300-1700," featuring music from Spanish-speaking lands across the centuries. Dec. 12 to 20, various locations, 866-427-2092 or www.bostoncamerata.org

BOSTON CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY It's an all-Mozart program this week, including the Duo for violin and viola (K. 424), the Oboe Quartet (K. 370), and the Divertimento for string trio (K. 563). With oboist Peggy Pearson, violinist Ida Levin, cellist Rhonda Rider, and violist Marcus Thompson, who will be the Society's next artistic director. Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., $30 to $40, First Church in Cambridge, 617-349-0086 or www.bostonchambermusic.org

JEREMY EICHLER