BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Andris Nelsons returns to the podium to kick off the BSO’s three-week Shakespeare celebration with a program featuring Mendelssohn’s Incidental Music to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” to be presented in a theatrical adaptation directed by Bill Barclay. Also on the bill will be Hans Werner Henze’s BSO-commissioned Symphony No. 8. Jan. 28-Feb. 2, Symphony Hall. 617-266-1200, www.bso.org
VERDI’S ‘OTELLO’ The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Federico Cortese offers a semi-staged performance of the Verdi classic, with a cast that includes Simon O’Neill, Raquel Gonzalez, and Weston Hurt. Jan. 24, 2 p.m., Sanders Theatre.
617-496-2222, www.bysoweb.org
‘
ISRAEL IN EGYPT’ The Cantata Singers under David Hoose’s direction performs the rarely spotted three-part original version of Handel’s popular oratorio. Jan. 29 at Cary Memorial in Lexington, Jan. 31 at Jordan Hall. 617–868-5885, www.cantatasingers
.org
A FAR CRY + BLUE HERON Two of the city’s most eloquent ensembles join forces for a program titled “Devotion” and featuring the Fauré Requiem, along with works by Francaix, Gombert, and Daniel-Lesur. Jan. 29,
8 p.m., Old South Church, 645 Boylston St. www.afarcry.org,
www.blueheronchoir.org
Jeremy Eichler can be reached at jeichler@globe.com