See it now for $25 or less

Lots of small ensembles, all outstanding musicians and singers, offer concerts for less than $25. In some cases there aren't any ticket fees, either. Of the many concerts in this category, here are just a few upcoming programs that are sure to please:

Eight Astral Artists performers - some alumni and others current members - play a recital of gorgeous chamber works at Trinity Center, 2212 Spruce St., 3 p.m. Sept. 28, $20, 215-735-6999, www.astralartists.org.

Lyric Fest brings together six marvelous voices to tell the story of Mahler's musical life with songs, letters and narration at First Presbyterian Church, 21st and Walnut streets, 3 p.m. Sept. 28, $17, 215-438-1702.

Pianist Leon Bates performs as part of the Settlement Music School's alumni recital series, Independence Seaport Museum, Penn's Landing, 3 p.m. Oct. 5, $20, 215-320-2686, www.smsmusic.org.

Wister Quartet, the core of the group 1807 and Friends, launches its 28th season with Haydn and Verdi Quartets plus the Schumann Piano Quintet with piano guest Natalie Zhu, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St., 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, $17, 215-438-4027.

Prism Saxophone Quartet's colorful sounds will be heard in five works, as well as two world premieres, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 8 p.m. Nov. 21, $16.50, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Network for New Music, known for its innovative performances, presents three works melded with visual works, animation and shapes at Nexus Gallery, 1400 N. American St., 8 p.m. Nov. 21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23, $20 by phone, $25 at the door, 215-848-7647, www.networkfornewmusic.org.

- Tom Di Nardo