It is a season bursting with possibilities, so what better way to herald the full arrival of spring than with a fresh musical take on romance and beauty? That's the thinking behind two upcoming classical concerts gracing San Jose's Le Petit Trianon stage during the weekend of April 24 and 25. The Mission Chamber Orchestra winds up its 2003­04 season with a mélange of enchanting pieces themed around romance and undying love, while the Amadeus Piano Trio focuses on Beethoven, Stravinsky and Brahms.

The season finale for Mission Chamber Orchestra remains true to the organization's vision of presenting performances combining "new music, recognized masterpieces, and thrilling soloists."

The pieces featured in "Spring Romance!" reflect each of these elements. Led by Conductor Emily Ray, the program opens with violinist Pip Clarke making her final appearance in the Mozart Violin Concerto Cycle, performing the "Violin Concerto No. 3." Clarke is beginning to attract international recognition for her passionate artistry and deft musicianship, and a high-energy performance is expected.

From there the program segues to a tale of forbidden beauty and unchecked passion told by Felix Mendelssohn's "Beautiful Melusina Overture." A man, his vexed fairy wife, and a broken promise underpin this tragic story. Next is Maurice Ravel's "Tombeau de Couperin." This ranging suite was originally composed by Ravel to honor his friends killed in war, but really came to be an homage to French music of the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly of composer Francois Couperin.

Ravel is followed by a rare performance of Irish composer Hamilton Harty's "Fantasy Scenes from an Eastern Romance," depicting the story of a love-struck harlequin who gets on the wrong side of the Sultan.

The eclectic concert closes with two English compositions, Frank Bridge's "Cherry Ripe" and Henry Carey's "Sally In Our Alley," an ode to London's dating scene circa the 1720s.

The next day, the nationally acclaimed Amadeus Piano Trio takes the stage, joined by poet and San José State University Professor Nils Peterson at 7 p.m.

The Amadeus Piano Trio is composed of pianist Marian Hahn, violinist Timothy Baker and cellist Jeffrey Solow. They are joined for this performance by clarinetist David Jones. The group will perform a trio of works: Beethoven's Piano Trio in C minor, Op. No. 3, Stravinsky's "L'Histoire du Soldat" (featuring Peterson's narration), and Brahms' Piano Trio in C Major, Op. 87. Each performer a soloist caliber performer in his and her own right, the trio is renowned for its tightly calibrated performances and energy-infused concerts.

Le Petit Trianon is located at 72 N. 5th St., San Jose. Tickets to the Mission Chamber Orchestra's concert are $5­$15. Call 408.293.6060. Tickets to the San Jose Chamber Music Society's concert are $20­$30. Call 403.286.5111.