Classical roundup: Baroque and wine; an Asian celebration; Scandinavian compositions

The last week of January sees a number of music organizations in Seattle really ramp up their activities, and choices for patrons will certainly be abundant. For now, however, the spotlight is largely on guest conductor Nicholas McGegan's Baroque program with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the second annual "Celebrate Asia!" festivities at Benaroya Hall, and Lake Union Civic Orchestra's bill of Scandinavian music at Town Hall.

Seattle Symphony Orchestra

Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle (206-215-4747 or seattlesymphony.org)

Nicholas McGegan Conducts "Dramatic Baroque Masterworks": McGegan, music director of the San Francisco-based Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, makes a return visit as guest conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, leading a program of Corelli, Handel, Rameau and Purcell. (Full preview ran in Thursday's Seattle Times.) 8 p.m. today and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. (A preconcert interview with McGegan is one hour before the concert on Sunday.) $17-$70.

Seattle Symphony introduces the "Baroque and Northwest Wine" series with this Masterworks program, featuring preconcert wine tasting from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. today and Saturday. See the Symphony's Web site for details.

"Celebrate Asia!": The second annual "Celebrate Asia!" event will feature local talents as well as world-renowned violinist Chuanyun Li and morin khuur (a Mongolian stringed instrument) master Li Bo. Former Seattle Symphony associate conductor Carolyn Kuan conducts. Hosted by KING-TV news co-anchor Lori Matsukawa, the evening begins with preconcert performances by students from the Liên Tâm Vietnamese Music Academy, Filipino guitarist Angelo Pizarro and Chinese lion dancers from Belltown Martial Arts. Kuan will lead the Seattle Symphony and soloists in a "love — themed" program of contemporary and traditional works. 6:30 p.m. next Friday. $20-$50.

Lake Union

Civic Orchestra

Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave. at Seneca Street, Seattle (www.luco.org)

Celebrating Scandinavian Symphonic Music: Lake Union Civic Orchestra's music director, Christophe Chagnard, presents the "Helios Overture" by Danish composer Carl Nielsen; Carl Reinecke's Flute Concerto (with Erin McKibben, soloist); and Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 2. The nonprofessional orchestra (whose members are described by Chagnard as highly motivated and skilled) is dedicated to energetic, passionate performance. 7:30 p.m. next Friday. $10-$15, free for children younger than 12 and seniors (800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com).

Tom Keogh: tomwkeogh@yahoo.com