Eight Gigs: Alexander String Quartet

Sun., Jan. 10, Mondavi Center, 2 and 7 p.m., $27.50-$55

Classical gatherings have long been considered a high-brow affair. However, the insinuation couldn’t be any more insulting to the performers and their fans. Patience and listening skills—and, of course, a ticket—are all one needs to experience San Francisco’s talented quartet. They’ll be playing two shows featuring an original work titled “Adaptive Species,” Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80; Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95; and Beethoven’s Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Major with pianist Roger Woodward joining the fray. One Shields Avenue in Davis, www.asq4.com.