Nico Muhly, who has been called the next John Adams (why, is Adams leaving?) is performing two nights at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis this week in what is expected to be a big event for fans of cutting-edge classical music. His last appearance at the Southern, late in 2007, is still being talked about in new-music circles.

The concerts Wednesday and Thursday pair Muhly with Son Lux (aka, Ryan Lott), another musical innovator, who is being joined by violist Nadia Sirota (also a composer), video artist Joshua Ott and dancers Jennifer Lott Matthew Keefe, Brittany Fridenstine and Marcos Vedoveto.

Called an "uber-talent," Muhly is frequently categorized with the so-called minimalists, along with Adams, Steve Reich, Meredith Monk and others. But his output at the ripe old age of 27 includes film scores, several albums and commissions by the American Ballet Theatre and Metropolitan Opera. He’s also closely identified with the offbeat Icelandic superstar, Bjork, with whom he has collaborated for more than a decade.

Son Lux has been called "the future of modern pop." In 2008, National Public Radio’s "All Songs Considered" named him the best new artist of the year following his first album, "At War With Walls & Mazes."

What to expect: Lots of visuals-- collaborator Ott is sometimes dubbed a "3D visual instrumentalist" -- plus interesting and enveloping sound tapestries. Violist Sirota will premiere two new pieces.

The whole thing is being billed as "Nico Mulhy & Son Sux: Split Bill." Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. For further information, go here.