Now in its third year, this instalment of the Agnes Grossmann–led fest is themed In the Fire of Conflict. The month-long event touches on the myriad ways artists shed light on all aspects of society, reflecting historical events and finding inspiration in social unrest and war. July 22 to Aug. 17.

André Laplante. The Quebec pianist opens the festival with a recital that includes three works by Chopin (Nocturne in F Major, op. 15, no. 1; Fantasy in F Minor/A-flat Major, op. 49; and Mazurkas, op. 63) and two by Liszt (Années de pèlerinage, Suisse; and Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178). July 22. $50. The Carlu, 444 Yonge St., 7th flr.

Mayumi Seiler. The Toronto-based violinist and artistic director of the Via Salzburg Chamber Orchestra pairs up with pianist Tünde Kurucz for a recital that includes Claude Debussy’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, L. 140; César Franck’s Violin Sonata in A Major; and Olivier Messiaen’s Theme and Variations. July 24. $37. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Bldg., 80 Queen’s Park.

Molinari Quartet. The Montreal-based group tackles R. Murray Schafer’s String Quartet no. 11; Russian composer Sofiya Gubaydu­lina’s String Quartet no. 2; Austrian Anton Webern’s String Quartet, op. 28; and Russian Alfred Schnittke’s String Quartet no. 2. Complementing the concert is an exhibition by the quartet’s namesake, Quebec painter Guido Molinari, and a pre-concert lecture by the 74-year-old Schafer, provocatively titled Are Composers Necessary? July 29. $37. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Bldg., 80 Queen’s Park.—Rick MacMillan