The Department of Music this weekend wraps up its busy November performance schedule with concerts by the Empyrean Ensemble and the Symphony Orchestra. Then, the week after Thanksgiving, December begins with the Baroque Ensemble and the University Chorus.

Empyrean Ensemble: Fabián Panisello Composer Portrait — 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre (cabaret seating). Preconcert lecture and discussion, 6:15 p.m., with the guest composers.

• Panisello — Cinco piezas métricas for flute, clarinet, violin, viola and cello (2004)
• Panisello — Il destino ineluttabile ogni cosa for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello and piano (2003)
• Fred Lerdahl — Duo for violin and piano (2005)

Symphony Orchestra — 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.

• Stravinsky — Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird (with Panisello, guest conductor)
• Panisello — Violin Concerto (with Hrabba Atladottir, violin, and Panisello, guest conductor)
• Strauss — Don Juan (Christian Baldini, conductor)
• Verdi — Overture to I vespri siciliani (Baldini, conductor)

Baroque Ensemble — 12:05 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 115 Music Building.

University Chorus — Featuring Cecilia Leitner, soprano; Danielle Reutter-Harrah, mezzosoprano; Eric Jurenas, countertenor; Brian Thorsett, tenor; Robert Stafford, baritone; and Steven Bailey, organ. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, Jackson Hall.

• Vivaldi — Beatus Vir, RV 597
• Bach — Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243
• Handel — Ode for St. Cecelia's Day

Bach orchestrated Magnificat for a large ensemble (large for its time), including three trumpets, two flutes, two oboes, strings, a five-part chorus and five soloists. Originally written in E-flat major for Christmas Vespers in 1723, as part of a reworking of cantatas in Leipzig, Germany, and revised by Bach 10 years later, in D major, for Easter. Today, this joyous work is often performed without association with either holiday.

Tickets required for all except the Baroque Ensemble concert, which is free. Advance tickets for the other concerts are available online, or in person or by telephone at the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787. Box office hours: noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and one hour before ticketed events.

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