Fall Guide 2012: Performing Arts

Saturday, Sept. 29
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Mahler's Symphony No. 3 Mahler's third symphony, aka "The Pastorale," takes on nothing less than the entire creation of the universe, beginning in the primordial soup and ending with … well, God. Mahler never did sweat the small stuff. His bombastic Romantic style, loathed by Minimalists, is the ultimate immersive experience, bathing and pummeling the listener into happy submission. For opening night of the Orlando Phil's 20th anniversary season, they rise to the challenge with more than 200 performers from University of Central Florida Chorus, the Florida Opera Theatre Women's Chorus and the Florida Opera Theatre Youth Program Singers. Truly an evening not to miss. 8:30 pm Saturday; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W. Livingston St.; 407-770-0071; orlandophil.org.

Sunda, Sept. 30
New Score Chamber Orchestra The NSCO exists to celebrate contemporary composition – and since we lack the princely patronage system that created classical composers of the past (your Mozarts and Haydns), organizations like this one are integral to the support of the modern equivalents. This is the debut concert of the 15-member ensemble, performing Earl Zindars' "Fanfare," Frederic Glesser's "Summer Nights Passing" and Carson Cooman's "Ave Maris Stella," all composed in the latter half of the 20th century. 7:30 pm Sunday; Timucua White House, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave.; free; 407-595-2713; timucua.com.

Thursday, Oct. 11
Bach Festival Society Presents Paul Galbraith Scottish-born and Grammy-nominated, classical guitarist Paul Galbraith is best known for his unique style of play – he rests his eight-string guitar on an endpin, like a cello's, atop a resonance box. For this opening concert of the Bach Festival Society's 2012-2013 Visiting Artist Series, Galbraith will perform Hindemith's "Harp Sonata," Bach's "Lute Suite" and selections from four Spanish composers. Tiedtke Concert Hall is particularly well-suited to acoustic performance (unlike some other rooms in town), so details of Galbraith's graceful, crisp yet lush interpretation won't be lost. 8 pm Thursday; Tiedtke Concert Hall, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park; $35-$50; 407-646-2182; bachfestivalflorida.org.

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