BY AMY REYES

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.

The creators of the Broadway hit, “Stomp,” take the concept to another level with their new show, “Pandemonium: The Lost and Found Orchestra.”

Going beyond the rhythms “Stomp” created using everyday objects, “Pandemonium” expands the idea by recreating musical instruments. The chaotic tones of glass bottles, whirly toys, musical saws and other objects recreate a complex symphonic and choral sound.

The idea came after “Stomp” creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas were approached by the United Kingdom’s Brighton Festival to commission a new work for its 40th anniversary.

“Pandemonium” will begin a North American tour Sept. 16 in Miami. The show will make stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Hartford, Conn., Boston, Toronto, Chicago, and San Francisco, among other cities.

David Joaceus, 15, from Miami practices on his French horn during practice for the joint concert between the Greater Miami Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra and Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County. CHRIS CUTRO/For the Miami Herald

By SALVATORE FAZIO

When Sara Arevalo started playing the violin at 8, she learned to express her feelings through the emission of sound. Now at 13, she is exploring a new facet of her musical growth: being part of an orchestra through the Greater Miami Youth Symphony.

"It’s going to be exciting to play with the orchestra," said Arevalo during a recent Sunday afternoon rehearsal. "It’s kind of a new way to expand my horizons."

Arevalo will be one of more than 300 of South Florida’s most promising young musicians who will take the stage at Florida International University’s Wertheim Performing Arts Center on Sunday when the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County join forces for their third annual Youth Orchestra Collaboration Concert.

The concert:

* Florida International University Wertheim Performing Arts Center, 11200 S.W. Eight St., Miami

* 4 p.m. Sunday, March 21

* $15 adults, $7 seniors and students; available only at the door

Greater Miami Executive Director Melissa Lesniak, 32, said the concert will showcase six segment orchestras from both groups playing side by side to take on a musically diverse program.

Read the full story

Anthony Daniels AKIHIRO I / STRINGER

Just in time for Halloween, Anthony Daniels is taking off the costume.

You may have a hard time recognizing the actor, but then you hear that unmistakable voice . . . It’s C-3PO. Read the full story