Oakland, Berkeley, And East Bay News, Events, Restaurants, Music, & Arts
Heads up, fellow space travelers. This week, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra steps valiantly into the future - for it, at least - with its very first performance of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, "The Emperor." Conducted by Nicholas McGegan, the concert heralds the return to PBO of fortepianist Robert Levin, whose unique embellishments, cadenzas, and reworkings will either please Beethoven's spirit or induce earthquake tremors. Saturday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church (2345 Channing Way, Berkeley). $30-$72. Philharmonia.org or 415-392-4400.