BOSTON CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

BCMS opens its season Sunday with a meaty program featuring both Brahms Sextets along with the Sextet from Strauss’s “Capriccio.” With Ida Levin and Harumi Rhodes (violins), Roger Tapping and Marcus Thompson (violas), and Ronald Thomas and Raman Ramakrishnan (cellos). 7:30 p.m., Oct. 14, Sanders Theatre, Cambridge. 617-349-0086, www.bostonchambermusic.org

NEW YORK FESTIVAL OF SONG

Steven Blier’s imaginative troupe makes a rare local appearance today with a program exploring Dvorak’s interest in African-American spirituals. With works by Dvorak, Burleigh, Will Marion Cook, Alex Rogers, and James Vaughan. 1:30 p.m., Oct. 14, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 617-278-5156, www.gardnermuseum.org

JEREMY EICHLER