Dolce Suono

Wed., Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., free, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 267-252-1803, dolcesuono.com.

by Peter Burwasser

classical

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The aphorism that you get what you pay for is a pretty good rule of life, but there are exceptions, certainly in the world of live classical music in Philadelphia. Granted, the prices that world-class organizations — such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society — charge are relative bargains, but there is some truly high-octane music-making out there that will set you back naught but the SEPTA token. The standard bearer is the amazing Curtis student recital series, a perennial treasure. But there are others, including the Dolce Suono chamber music concerts, organized and led by a flutist who is a young veteran of those Curtis recitals. Mimi Stillman's musician friends are among the best in the business, and she has recruited them to help her put on these diverse and intriguing programs. The latest will center on music for winds and piano, and will include works by Saint-Saëns, Shostakovich, Honegger, Arnold and Shchedrin, a fine heady mix, indeed.

Wed., Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., free, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 267-252-1803, dolcesuono.com.