Stay classy, South Florida

Classical music will help you through the dog days of summer.

By Amy Reyes7/19/2010

The summer may be a slow time to find classical music performances, but this week there are two stand outs.

Summerfest 2010

Summerfest is an annual event presented by the Symphony of the Americas featuring an acclaimed foreign orchestra in residence joined by members of the Symphony of the Americas under the baton of the Symphony's Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese. This year's event features France's highly acclaimed Mont Blanc Chamber Orchestra. Performances include the classical music of Vivaldi, Paganini, Telemann, Sarasate, Brahms, Copland, the American composer Arthur Foote, and Lorenzo Turchi-Floris, Artistic Director of the Mont Blanc Orchestra. Performances are highlighted by Hungarian violinist Laszlo Pap, and American flutist, Marilyn Maingart.

Wednesday, July 21 at 7 p.m., The Broward Center for Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-462-0222. Tickets $20-$55.

Thursday, July 22, Susan B. Katz Theater, River of Grass Artspark, 17189 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines; 954-986-6067. FREE.

Monaco Boys Choir

The award-winning boys choir, founded in 1973 under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, brings together over 30 children’s voices and is composed of talented children as young as eight years old who have passed rigorous examinations to be admitted into the prestigious group. Directed by Pierre Debat, the repertoire will include works by Charpentier, Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Fauré and Franck; French and Monégasque folk songs; English-language songs.

Saturday, July 24 at 7 p.m. Wertheim Performing Arts Center, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-348-2896. FREE.