Performing arts such as classical music and dance provide a beautiful distraction to problems of everyday life and entertain us for a few hours. The artists who perform classical and chamber music in Monterey County in the next few months might live right here or travel from another country. One glance through this list reveals a range from Barber’s Adagio for Strings to San Jose Taiko drumming. The diversity of groups brought here to perform in world-class venues such as the Sunset Cultural Center and the World Theater is on par with cities such as San Jose or even San Francisco. Get out and enjoy the musical and physical labors of these performers who strive to add a spark to your life.


CHAMBER MUSIC MONTEREY BAY
For 38 seasons, this top-quality presenter has welcomed the best chamber groups in the world. Sunset  Cultural Center, Carmel. 625-2212.

Sept. 29, 8pm. Eroica Trio. A treat for the ears and eyes, the three young women called Eroica return to Carmel, performing Vivaldi’s “Trio Sonata in C Minor” and Brahms’ “Piano Trio in B Major.”

Oct. 30, 8pm. St. Petersburg String Quartet. Halloween Eve, there should be nothing scary about this concert featuring Brahms’ “Clarinet Quintet in B Minor,” the Central Coast premiere of a Nadarejshvili quartet, and Shostakovih’s “String Quartet No. 12.”


MOZART SOCIETY
While Johannes Bach has his own famous local festival, Amadeus Mozart has a society to champion his (and his contemporaries’) brilliant music. Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel. 625-3637

Oct. 22, 8pm. Perlman Schmidt Bailey Trio. Piano, cello and violin trio specializes in 18th century music, such as Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.

Nov. 19, 8pm. Lark Quartet. This all-female quartet returns, with a dozen CDs of chamber music.


MONTEREY SYMPHONY
One of the oldest classical music promoters in the county, the Symphony opens its season headed by new music director Max Bragado-Darman. Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel; Sherwood Hall, Salinas. 624-8511.

Oct. 23-25 Jose Luis Castillo, conductor, offers Copland’s “An Outdoor Adventure,” Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2,” and Marquez’ “Danzon No. 2.”

Nov. 14-16 Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” and Haydn’s “Symphony No. 49” are on the program for conductor Christoph Campestrini.


CARMEL MUSIC SOCIETY
This popular host always arranges an eclectic season of classical music, from duos to the Vienna Boy’s Choir. Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel. 625-9938.

Sept. 11, 8pm. Baritone Mark Delavane recently sang with the Metropolitan Opera.

Oct. 14, 8pm. Cellist David Finkel (of Emerson String Quartet) and pianist Wu Han perform lively chamber music.

Nov. 11, 8pm. A fundraising event, Night in Venice, is performed by I Solisti di Venezia, whose members include leaders of top Italian orchestras.


I CANTORI DI CARMEL
Performs only a few concerts per year, so be sure to catch these talented locals. Led by Sal Ferrantelli at Monterey Peninsula College. 644-8012. Dec. 11-12 Fall Concert


ENSEMBLE MONTEREY
This local group’s fall concerts are held at the Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel. 333-1283. Oct. 15-16, Fall Concert of Dvorak’s “Serenade.” Nov. 19 Fall Concert of Mahler, McAllister and Jolivet.


CHANTICLEER
San Francisco’s ever-popular chorus performs twice in Monterey County this fall. Don’t miss Women, Saintly and Otherwise on Oct. 27 in Carmel’s All Saints Church, and A Chanticleer Christmas on December 23 in the Carmel Mission. (415) 252-8589.


LOVEJOY CONCERTS
This series of concerts features many styles of music. The local group Heartstrings plays a blend of classical and folk on Nov. 7. Unitarian Universalist Church, Carmel. 375-6981.


CAMERATA SINGERS
This group entertains gracefully in the gardens of La Mirada Museum on Sept. 5. 372-3689