After the many musical treats (no tricks!) of October, the classical music season is in full swing here in Seattle. November’s calendar abounds with visits from touring ensembles and soloists, as well as exciting performances by local groups. Head to a concert hall and take advantage of this month’s diverse musical offerings, especially before the holiday music deluge inundates the concert calendar for December.

Nov. 6 — Most classical music fans know Puccini and Verdi through grand operas like Madama Butterfly and Rigoletto. But did you know that these famous Italians also penned string quartets? The New York-based Enso String Quartet brings these rarely-performed gems to Town Hall as part of their program “Opera Composers’ String Quartets”.

Nov. 8 – 17 — Immerse yourself in an evening of dazzling premieres at Pacific Northwest Ballet, featuring the work of choreographers Jiri Kylian and Crystal Pite. You’ll experience brilliant full-ensemble pieces and smaller-scale works, including Kylian’s Petite Mort, which incorporates fencing foils into the movements of six pairs of dancers.

Nov. 9 — Be transported to 18th century Constantinople by Portland’s Cappella Romana choir. Accompanied by guest director Achilleas Chaldaiakis, a cantor from Athens, the ensemble performs a program of Byzantine chants at the stunning St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

Nov. 15 & 17 — It’s all about the cello at Simple Measures‘ season opening concert. The chamber music collective has gained a loyal fan following for their up-close-and-personal performances featuring top-notch local talent. Hear their “Cello Divas” program at Town Hall (Nov. 15) or at Mt. Baker Community Club (Nov. 17).

Nov. 16 — Hailing from Northern Italy, the members of Ensemble Lucidarium are dedicated to exploring the music of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Their Seattle performance, hosted by the Early Music Guild, celebrates the circle of life with a festive program of Jewish music.

Nov. 21 & 23 — Giuseppe Verdi wrote his monumental Requiem Mass in honor of his friend, Italian poet Alessandro Manzoni. Seattle Symphony offers two performances of this beloved work, which features full orchestra, chorus, and four soloists.

Nov. 22 — Experience the passion of tango at Town Hall. Young bandoneónist J.P. Jofre, a rising star in the tango world, returns to Seattle with his Hard Tango Ensemble after wowing local audiences in 2012. The quartet puts a fresh, exciting spin on smoky Argentine classics.

Nov. 22 — The Seattle Modern Orchestra explores “open form” with a set of innovative works from the 20th and 21st centuries. In these pieces, the musicians get to make decisions about the musical form during performance, resulting in a truly unique experience each time the work is played.

Nov. 24 — Begin the holiday season early with a complete performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Baroque Orchestra and five guest soloists. No shortened versions here — this is the real Messiah deal, featuring every note of Handel’s expansive score.