Recognized worldwide for its musicianship, this student ensemble visits Cambridge with a full orchestra. With visiting conductor Federico Cortese, who recently conducted both the Scottish Symphony and the Slovenian Philharmonic, the program of Mozart should be nothing short of extraordinary. 8 p.m. $5 students, $12 adults. Sanders Theatre. (MAM)

MUSIC | Ravi Shankar

The multiple Grammy Award winner and Woodstock performer, dubbed “the godfather of world music” by George Harrison and knighted by the Queen of England, continues to spread the gospel about classical Indian music through his legendary sitar playing. Shankar is now joined by his daughter Anoushka. 7:30 p.m. $23-75. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave. (TR)

mon, sept 29

MUSIC | ACLU College Freedom Tour

The much-hyped tour features interactive political forums led by infamous spoken-word artist Saul Williams and the even more infamous Larry Flynt, former publisher of Hustler. Concerts will be given by radical hip-hop activists Dead Prez, who have been under the radar ever since dropping their debut album Let’s Get Free, and DJ Kuttin Kandi of the 5th Platoon turntablist crew. 7 p.m. Free. Sanders Theatre. (RJK)

MUSIC | Howie Day

Maine-native folk-rocker Howie Day visits the Avalon Ballroom on tour in support of his second full-length album Stop All The World Now (Epic) and single “Perfect Time of Day.” Day for the first time replaces his on-the-fly loops and effects pedals with a full backing band on this tour. Expect an energetic audience, as Boston is Day’s second home and a major fanbase — the packaging of his Boston Music Award-winning debut album Australia even features a photo of his pre-major label days performing outside Harvard Square’s Gap. Jump Little Children and Charlotte Martin split the opening bill. Stop drops October 7. 7 p.m. $18.75 advance, all ages. Avalon, Landsdowne St. (BJD)

MUSIC | Black Dice

Experimental hardcore rock group Black Dice perform. Expect ear-splitting chaos and good times all around. Blood on the Wall and local electronic maverick Hrvatski also appear. 9 p.m. $10; 18+. T.T. the Bear’s Place, 10 Brookline Street. (SLS)

MUSIC | Polysics

These Japanese art-punks perform their weird brand of spastic rock in support of their critically acclaimed album Neu. Go early to catch synth-pop band Freezepop. 8 p.m. $9 advance, $12 door, must be 18+. The Middle East Downstairs, 472 Massachussetts Ave. (SLS)

weds, oct 1

MUSIC | Aesop Rock

Rapper Aesop Rock squeezes every last drop of expressive juice from the English language by riddling his rapid-fire stream-of-consciousness flow with taught one-liners and idioms turned on their heads. He manufactures his songs from scratch, complimenting his urgent vocals with his own production. On his recently released Bazooka Tooth, he speaks on such topics as 9-11, violence in popular culture and mankind’s struggle against the machines of its creation. Ace takes the stage with Boston hip-hop legend Mr. Lif, and Def Jux collegue and collaborator El-P. $17.50 advance, $20 day of show; 18+. The Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. (MSH)