December 9. Formed in 1987, the Baroque instrumental ensemble Tragicomedia features viola da gamba, lute, chitarrone, and harpsichord. Titled “Tragicomedia: A Baroque Holiday Celebration,” this seasonal concert presented by Close Encounters with Music at the
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center includes soprano and bass-baritone vocalists accompanied by such rarely heard Baroque instruments as the Italian mandolin and the lirone in a program of early cantatas by Handel, Steffani, Strozzi, and others. (The Temptations throw down December 2; the Berkshire Bach Society presents “Bach at New Year’s” December 31.) 2pm. $42, $32. Great Barrington, Massachusetts. (413) 528-0100.
