The San Jose Chamber Music Society kicked off its season with a lively program split between Latin American and European composers.

The program was sparkling, imaginative, and even exotic, featuring works from Chinese-American composer Chen Yi and Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu.

Schubert lived a tragic life, resulting in some dour music. But the third Schubertiade in [email protected] summer festival proved even the darkest music can be rewarding.

Cellist Arnold Choi performed four works, three unaccompanied, at the festival’s new venue in downtown San Jose.

Clarinetists Romie de Guise-Langlois and David Shifrin, occasionally joined by violin and piano, dazzled.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra performed Mozart, Haydn, and a work by Jonny Greenwood, better known as the guitarist from Radiohead.

The former LSO principal conductor and current San Francisco Symphony music director returned to the stage with the orchestra.

A suite by Edvard Grieg was the surprise highlight of a lively concert.