Big Pimpinella

With three Stalin-era Russians and an aloof American prodigy making up the program’s composers, you’d think this weekend’s Kansas City Symphony performances would be keep-your-gloves-on cold. But the season’s best (and most modern) lineup glows like hot coals. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1 comes out heavy on the woodwinds and lands with big percussion (timpani solo alert!). Stravinsky’s “Suite From Pulcinella” encapsulates a passionate, marriage-minded ballet (in which Pulcinella and girlfriend Pimpinella suffer through jealousy, Shakespeare style). And guest violinist Gil Shaham plays Barber’s romantic violin concerto and Prokofiev’s Mediterranean-warm second violin concerto. Shaham tunes up this afternoon at 2 (following Friday and Saturday’s 8 p.m. performances). All three shows are at the Lyric Theatre (1029 Central). Tickets range from $38 to $58; call 816-471-0400 or see kcsymphony.org.

Fri., Jan. 22, 8 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 24, 2 p.m., 2010