» The FLORIDA PHILHARMONIC. Based in nearby Fort Lauderdale, this orchestra performs regularly in Miami and appears with the Florida Grand Opera here. The Philharmonic is an excellent group with an often innovative repertoire, overseen by music director James Judd; it also presents the well-loved Peter Nero and Pops at the Philharmonic. Miami Beach, PHONE: 954.561.2997.

» CONCERT ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA. Directed by Judy Drucker, this not-for-profit organization is celebrating its fourth decade as the South's largest presenter of classical arts, music, and dance. Performers such as Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras, Cecilia Bartoli, Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, Mikhail Baryshnikov, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Van Cliburn, and the New York Philharmonic have all come to various venues in Miami thanks to this group. 555 17th St., Miami Beach, PHONE: 305.532.3491.

» NEW WORLD SYMPHONY. One of Miami's cultural treasures, the New World is known as "America's training orchestra" because its musicians are recent graduates of the best music schools. In a season that runs October-May, performances take place in its home venue, the Lincoln Theater on Lincoln Road Mall. Once a major movie palace, the theater is now Miami Beach's loveliest and most acoustically perfect auditorium. The symphony's concerts are broadcast live via speaker (and sometimes video) over the Lincoln Road Mall. 555 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, PHONE: 305.673.3331 or 305.673.3330.

» FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC. At the acoustically perfect Gusman Concert Hall, the Friends present an annual series of seven chamber concerts by internationally known guest ensembles, such as the Emerson, Guarneri, Tokyo and Talich quartets. 169 E. Flagler St., Suite 1619, Miami, PHONE: 305.372.2975.