Sun., Dec. 13, 4 p.m., Mondavi Center, $13.50-$51
Under Jeffrey Thomas, the American Bach Soloists ensemble will present a special Christmas-themed concert featuring the works of (you guessed it!) J.S. Bach. This gathering features the splendid Christmas Oratorio and celebrates the group’s 27th season of live performance. This particular matinee show precedes a handful of dates at San Francisco’s lovely Grace Cathedral where classical fans and Christmas lovers alike can enjoy Messiah. Whether or not you’re fluent in classical music makes little difference, as Bach’s pieces tend to tease and titillate most everyone’s ears. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, http://americanbach.org.