Evgeny Kissin, pianist

This week is the unofficial opening of the classical music season, meaning that there are finally enough fine concerts to fill this weekly agenda. In keeping with the gala spirit, most of these events are going to cost you.

BIG GUNS:
>> One of my favorite pianists, Evgeny Kissin, is the marquee name on the National Symphony Orchestra’s Season Opening Ball Concert on Saturday night (September 26, 7 p.m.) at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. A few (expensive) tickets remain.

>> French pianist Cédric Tiberghien will open the Washington Performing Arts Society season with a recital at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater on Saturday (September 26, 2 p.m.), already sold out.

CONTEMPORARY:
>> After a generally successful gala concert last weekend, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and conductor Marin Alsop kick off their subscription series with a program featuring the Concerto 4-3 by American composer Jennifer Higdon. The work incorporates music in both folk and country music styles, written for (and to be played in Baltimore by) the Time for Three Trio, a group founded by three students at the Curtis Institute to explore the boundaries of classical music and other styles. Before the Thursday performance in Baltimore (September 24, 8 p.m.) the BSO is hosting a Bloggers’ Night, featuring yours truly (with the Post’s Anne Midgette and the Baltimore Sun’s Tim Smith, no less) on a panel about classical music and new media. Bloggers interested in attending should write to Sarah Haller at the BSO (shaller at bsomusic dot org): drinks, light food, and possibly a free ticket could be yours.