5 great Twin Cities classical music concerts this week

This rare opportunity to hear Martinu's playful "Variations on a Theme of Rossini" comes via recital by cellist Ruth Marshall and pianist Garret Ross. Also on the program are Schubert's "Arpeggione" Sonata and Beethoven's Variations on "Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen" from Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute." (Noon Thu. Landmark Center, St. Paul; free, schubert.org)

Music Saint Croix closes its 15th season with a "Slavic Favorites" program, examining some lesser-known corners of the classical repertoire. That includes Martinu's Nonet, Hidas' "1+5" (for bass trombone and wind quintet) and Doppler's "Hungarian Pastorale Fantasie" along with works by Dvorak and Bartok. (7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Washington County Historic Courthouse, Stillwater; $10-$16, 651-430-9198 or music saintcroix.com)

Of all J.S. Bach's musical children, Carl Philipp Emanuel (1714-1788) was probably the most influential, forging a crucial link between the baroque and early classical periods. Lyra Baroque presents an appetizing selection of C.P.E. Bach's music, with concertos played by flutist Wilbert Hazelzet and harpsichordist Jacques Ogg. (7:30 p.m. Fri., Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester; 7:30 p.m. Sat., Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul; 3 p.m. Sun., Trinity Chapel, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato; $5-$25, lyra baroque.org)

Violinist Maureen Nelson joined the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra two years ago, after leading the Enso String Quartet for almost two decades. With her vast chamber music experience, Nelson quickly carved out a prominent profile in her new group. She appears this week as soloist in Vaughan Williams' ethereal piece for violin and orchestra "The Lark Ascending." This stimulating SPCO program also includes Gounod's "Petite Symphonie" for Wind Instruments, Dvorak's appealingly lyrical Serenade for Strings and "The Conference of the Birds" by SPCO composer-in-residence Lembit Beecher. (8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; 3 p.m. Sun., St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi; $11-$50, 651-291-1144 or thespco.org)

Minnesota Opera celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Resident Artist Program, offering a full season of employment and mentorship to young performers aiming for opera careers. This "Mixtape" concert features no fewer than 20 singers including star alumni such as soprano Karin Wolverton, mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala and tenor James Valenti. The program includes jazz, pop and operatic excerpts by Wagner, Puccini, Rossini and Strauss. (2 p.m. Sun., Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul; $20 suggested donation, 612-333-6669 or mnopera.org)

TERRY BLAIN