This is the best time of year for classical music. It’s that post-summer, pre-Christmas period when orchestras, chamber groups and vocal companies bring out their most serious work. They know people are paying attention and they try to deliver the high-level goods that keep audiences interested.

This year’s mid-fall season comes in a multitude of shapes and forms that remind concert-goers just how varied classical music can be. There are big ensemble moments, superstar turns, some off-beat explorations and, of course, there’s Verdi. There’s always Verdi.