BINGHAMTON CHINESE OPERA
Sept. 20
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous this fall season, look no further than the Binghamton Chinese Opera. Held at the University of Idaho, the performance features excerpts from several famous Beijing operas performed brilliantly by student members of Binghamton University's Confucius Institute of Opera. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting Chinese language and culture, the opera promises music, acrobatics and insight into Chinese history and theater. (CV) University of Idaho Administration Building Auditorium, $8, 7 pm
SPOKANE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Sept. 27
Giving a nod to some of jazz music's greatest legends, the Spokane Jazz Orchestra opens its season with famous songs from swing era artists, including Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Under the direction of Tom Molter, the concert features Seattle jazz vocalist Jake Bergevin in his first performance with the 17-piece band. Their annual holiday show is Dec. 6. This year marks SJO's 40th anniversary, and its season of shows aims to be "40 and fabulous." Some things get better with age. (MS) Bing Crosby Theater, $24-$26.50, 7:30 pm
SUPERPOPS 2: SERGIO MENDES
Nov. 1
When it comes to the genre of pop-inflected Brazilian jazz, no one plays it better than Brazilian pianist/songwriter Sergio Mendes. Since the 1960s, Mendes has taken the world by storm with his Latin-inspired, funky tunes, including his biggest hit "Mas Que Nada" with Brasil '66. He has significantly slowed down touring over the years, but that doesn't stop him from performing at select events, like the Spokane Symphony's SuperPops concert in November. The sultry show, with its combination of piano and orchestra, will undoubtedly have people dancing in the aisles. Recently, he penned the soundtrack for the animated film Rio and just released a new album, Magic. (LJ) Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, $28-$62, 8 pm
WHITWORTH JAZZ FEATURING ARTURO SANDOVAL
Nov. 7
November brings a doozy of a concert for jazz aficionados, casual fans and students alike. Whitworth University's Jazz Ensemble welcomes 10-time Grammy award-winning Cuban jazz trumpeter, composer and pianist Arturo Sandoval to Spokane for a special guest appearance. Sandoval joins the Whitworth Ensemble that boasts eight first-place finishes at the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at nearby University of Idaho, as well as performances in the 2011 All-Northwest Conference and the 2012 All-State Conference. Even if you don't know your bebop from your blues, this performance promises to be a swinging good time. (CV) Whitworth Cowles Auditorium main stage, $20, 8 pm
CLASSICS 4: HAYDN AND DVORAK
Nov. 22-23
It's expansive, haunting and glorious. Antonin Dvorak's "Symphony No. 9" (aka "New World Symphony") is so compelling that astronaut Neil Armstrong took a recording along on the first successful moon landing. As far as well-known symphonies are concerned, the Czech composer's "New World Symphony" is one of the most popular. This fall, the Spokane Symphony will take it on, pairing it with Haydn's "Cello Concerto in D Major," showcasing renowned cellist Edward Arron. The show will easily be one of the year's best regional classical concerts. (LJ) Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, $15-$54, Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm
CHRISTMAS AT THE KROC
Dec. 5-6
Haven't started thinking about Christmas yet? That's OK, the Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra has — or at least they've planned a family-friendly holiday concert titled Christmas at the Kroc, one of the community orchestra's five performances this year. Featuring Tchaikovsky's "Suite No. 3" (not quite "The Nutcracker Suite," but it'll do) and a whole bunch of other holiday favorites, the concert will be the perfect place to forget all about the stresses of the season while the joyous, familiar melodies envelop you. (LJ) Salvation Army Kroc Center, 208-765-3833, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 2 pm
NEW YEAR'S AT THE SYMPHONY
Dec. 31
Class up your New Year's Eve with "the most joyous music ever written" and celebrate the Spokane Symphony's annual tradition. To ring in 2015, the chorale and symphony join together to create a tremendous ensemble, with more than 140 musicians and vocalists directed by Eckart Preu and Julian Gomez-Giraldo. Once again, this concert features Beethoven's hour-long "Ninth Symphony," known for its themes of freedom and community. At an hour, this show's brevity gives attendees enough time to get to whatever midnight event they're looking forward to. Tickets sell out every year, nudging you to start your holiday plans early. (MS) Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, $16-$28, 7:30 pm
