Yo-Yo, Maybe?

Violinist Mark O’Connor and Friends are playing Orchestra Hall on November 11. Might one of O’Connor’s “friends” that day be Yo-Yo Ma? Cellist Ma (with whom O’Connor collaborated on the Grammy-winning CD Appalachian Journey) performs at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts two days prior, on November 9, for The Schubert Club. Is it too much to ask for Ma to stick around town for a couple of days? We’ll see. Nov. 11. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 371-5656

Acclaimed local pianist Lydia Artymiw, Distinguished McKnight Professor of Piano at the University of Minnesota, is teaming up with one of the top violists in the world, Kim Kashkashian, for a November 11 concert as part of the Music in the Park Chamber Series. Last year, this duo’s European tour elicited rave reviews from critics, particularly their interpretations of Brahms, Kurtág, and Shostakovich—the same program they’ll be playing here on November 11. St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave., St. Paul., 651-645-5699

Musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Minneapolis Guitar Quartet are plying the tools of their trade in a benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity. “Harmony for Habitat” will feature music by Beethoven, Clara Schumann, Robert Beaser, and Argentinian tango master Astor Piazzolla. Nov. 11. 3 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church in south Minneapolis. Tickets are $25 for open seating, $50 for reserved, 612-922-9223.