Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet

It’s hard to think of a more illustrious classical group than the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet. These players — Michael Hasel (flute), Andreas Wittmann (oboe), Walter Seyfarth (clarinet), Marion Reinhard (bassoon) and Fergus McWilliam (horn) — hail from the world’s most august ensemble, an orchestra that has the music of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms encoded directly in its DNA. No wonder the orchestra’s wind contingent is universally admired for its technical polish and interpretive sweetness. Luckily for Nashvillians, the Berliners have established a long and successful partnership with Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. The group takes up residence at the school for several days each winter, offering instruction to students while providing exquisite performances to the community. This weekend, the Berliners will present an eclectic program that opens with three of Mozart’s most improbable fantasies, originally scored for mechanical organ, along with works by Pavel Haas and Henri Tomasi. This remarkable concert is free. JOHN PITCHER