Soprano Christine Goerke

1. Elektra, Lyric Opera
In her Lyric debut, the soprano Christine Goerke, who won raves in Madrid for her portrayal of the vengeful title character, will bring feverish rage and high Cs like knives. Here’s a good one-word summary: elektric. 20 N. Wacker Dr., lyricopera.org. Oct. 6 to 30

2. John Cage Festival, Northwestern
NU throws a party to celebrate new music’s foremost prankster-mystic, who would have turned 100 this year. Stephen Drury will play Cage’s solo piano works, and experts will attempt to explain some of the composer’s more inaccessible aspects. 50 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston, pickstaiger.org. Nov. 15 to 17

3. World Orchestra for Peace, Symphony Center
This all-star orchestra, drawn from ensembles around the globe, makes its Chicago debut on the birthday of the former CSO music director Georg Solti, born in 1912. 220 S. Michigan Ave., cso.org. Oct. 21

4. Debussy Chamber Music Festival, multiple locations
The performance at the Art Institute on October 14 segues into a gallery walk. For locations, chicagochambermusic.org. Oct. 12 to 21

5. Logan Launch Festival, the University of Chicago Logan Center for the Arts
The opening jubilee features the Turtle Island Quartet playing Jimi Hendrix and a premiere from the redoubtable U. of C. composer Shulamit Ran. 915 E. 60th St., loganlaunch.uchicago.edu. Oct. 12 to 14

Photograph: Javier Del Real/Teatro Real