Werther at San Francisco Opera

If you want to hear some truly amazing operatic vocalists, San Francisco Opera’s Werther is your ticket this month. Ramon Vargas, a tenor with a voice that impresses even the most opinionated of critics, plays one of his signature roles, a poet suffering from that nasty unrequited love. Alice Coote brings her world-renowned vocal chops to the stage as his romantic interest, and they bellow their hearts out in this musical tale.

September 15 - October 1. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. $25-255. (415) 864-3330. 

Bonus: San Francisco Opera’s Aida will be broadcast on those giant screens at the ballpark on September 24. 

The Vinca Quartet

Lauded by The New York Times and the slightly less impressive Woodstock Times (sorry, Woodstock - you know it’s true), The Vinca Quartet treats San Francisco to an intimate evening of chamber music. Not quite as intimate as an awesome third date but more intimate than a Lady Gaga concert. Known for their charismatic technique and innovative programming, The Vinca Quartet makes classical music accessible. 

September 16, 8 p.m. Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom Street. $8-20. (415) 826-2402. www.vincaquartet.com

Chanticleer

The angelic voices of Chanticleer sing on a celestial theme, based on the fascination composers have for the sun, moon, and other planetary bodies comprised of Big Bang dust. Heavenly voices sing about heavenly bodies (sorry, it had to be said) in works by Monteverdi, Mahler, Schumann, and Gershwin. 

Sep 17 & 19, Fri at 8 p.m. & Sun at 5 p.m. San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak Street. $20-44. (415) 282- 8589.