Saturday-Sunday: William Hill is as close to a classical-music star as Denver can claim. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra’s principal timpanist is a colorful guy with his hands in music across the region. He’s also a skilled composer who has tried out his works on the home ensemble. That happens again this weekend as the CSO premieres Hill’s “The Raven,” inspired by the lit classic from Edgar Allan Poe. Expect some darkness in the piece based on the poem about a bird and a bit of madness back in 1845. The program also features a complementary performance of Eric Ewazen’s emotional “Down a River of Time” featuring principal oboist Peter Cooper. David Lockington conducts. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex. $25-$89. 303-623-7876 or .
