Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

David Starobin, guitar, Sun., Jan. 20, 3 p.m., $22.50, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-569-8080, pcmsconcerts.org.

by Peter Burwasser

classical

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The versatile and always popular guitar is an instrument that never quite gets a comfortable fit into the world of so-called classical music. David Starobin (pictured) presents a program that is cleverly divided between traditional repertoire for the instrument and a trove of new works, almost all commissioned by this trail-blazing musician. As different as the music may seem, the folksy, vernacular voice of the instrument reads through in all cases, proclaiming an independence in the ensemble that is gently, even endearingly stubborn. From the old-time realm, he'll play the music of Giuliani, Brugiere, Sor, Keller and Spohr. Newer stuff on the agenda includes Crumb (with an ode to his dogs), Lansky, Wernick, Leisner and some fun bonbons from George Harrison and Stephen Sondheim. Joining Starobin will be Patrick Mason on baritone and Daniel Druckman on percussion.

David Starobin, guitar, Sun., Jan. 20, 3 p.m., $22.50, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-569-8080, pcmsconcerts.org.