Classical Corner: More Seasons Commencing 

CAMA Masterseries’ 40th anniversary season opens with a recital by a somewhat left-of-center duo, at least by instruments, as mandolinist Avi Avital and accordionist Hanzhi Wang team up to perform at the Lobero Theatre. The two are veritable virtuosos – Avital’s skill has been compared to Jascha Heifetz while Wang is the only accordionist ever to win a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 60-year history. They both are no strangers to Santa Barbara having each performed at various venues in town. They’ll play a varied program of classical faves and other pieces including works by Kreisler, Stravinsky, Bach, Sarasate, Bartók, de Falla, and Saint-Saëns at the October 16 concert. On tap in the new year are four old favorites: the Juilliard String Quartet, pianist Hélène Grimaud, the Romeros guitar ensemble, and violinist Augustin Hadelich.

Ojai’s Chamber On The Mountain’s 2023-24 series opens this week with Project:CSQ – California String Quartet – on October 15. The rotating roster of musicians, composers, and musical creators is led by Luanne Homzy (violinist and composer) and Evgeny Tonkha (cellist) who will be joined by violinist Kerenza Peacock and violist Jonah Sirota. The foursome will play two pieces by Homzy (“Un Souvenir d’hiver” and “Variations on Fiddler on the Roof”) plus Ravel’s “String Quartet in F Major,” Anna Drubich’s “Rain@5” and Borodin’s “String Quartet No. 2 in D Major” at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. A reception on the patio follows the performance. Coming in 2024: A duo concert with violinist Phillip Levy and pianist Tae Yeon Lim and solo recitals by pianists Dominic Cheli and Daniel Adam Maltz.