Northwest Chamber Orchestra

Programming Penderecki for a season-opening gala? Yet another intriguing choice by conductor (and splendid pianist) Ralf Gothoni (pictured), starting his third season at the NWCO’s helm. They’ll play the Polish modernist’s Viola Concerto in a version for cello, with Arto Noras as soloist. Violinist Marjorie Kransberg Talvi joins Noras for a Vivaldi double concerto. To close, the witty ballet suite for strings and percussion that Rodion Shchedrin confected out of tunes from Carmen. Benaroya Recital Hall, Third and Union, 205-343-0445. $25-$35. 8 p.m. Sat. Sept. 18, 2:30 p.m. Sun. Sept. 19. GAVIN BORCHERT

Lyon Opera Ballet

The knee-jerk description of ballet usually includes words like “graceful” and “delicate,” but in the choreographic world of William Forsythe hard-driving, aggressive movement performed in an uncompromising environment trumps those ideas. “Second Detail,” (pictured) one of three works by this French company, is designed to shake you up. Its discordant, mechanistic world might not be pretty , but it’s certainly close to beautiful. Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St., 206-292-ARTS. $22-$45. 7:30 p.m. Wed. Sept. 22. SANDRA KURTZ