Violinist Hilary Hahn

If you have waited until the last minute to think of something nice to do for your mom on Mother’s Day next Sunday, what about taking her to a concert this week? There are even a few concerts on the day itself.

INSTRUMENTS:
>> Joining the National Symphony Orchestra this week is one of my favorite soloists, Baltimore-born violinist Hilary Hahn (May 8 to 10). Her contribution, Paganini’s first violin concerto, will be matched by soprano Hila Plitmann giving Washington a chance to hear Final Alice, the ground-breaking work that won David Del Tredici a Pulitzer Prize. Tickets: $20 to $80.

>> The Emerson Quartet concludes its Smithsonian Resident Associates series on Saturday (May 10, 6 p.m.) at the National Museum of Natural History. The program includes music by Martinů, Janáček, and Beethoven, sure to be performed in the group’s signature electrifying style. Tickets: $63.

VOICES:
>> It is time for the final concert of the Vocal Arts Society‘s season. On Wednesday (May 7, 7:30 p.m.) soprano Felicity Lott and pianist Graham Johnson will give a recital at the Embassy of Austria. These long-time collaborators are leading performers of the song repertory, and the program is a knockout. Tickets: $40.

>> If you are the sort who says “Happy Mother’s Day” by explaining at length, in German, how Jesus died for our sins, the Washington Bach Consort will be presenting Bach’s St. Matthew Passion on Sunday (May 11, 3 p.m.) at Strathmore. No, seriously, the list of soloists is impressive (especially Christine Brandes and Sara Mingardo) and this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. Tickets: $20 to $55.