This preeminent American ensemble, notable for its chamber-style cohesion and self-effacing virtuosity, starts a four-concert stand as part of the Lincoln Center Festival, led by music director Franz Welser-M�st. Wednesday brings Strauss' little-performed opera "Daphne," known for its sublime finale as the heroine is transformed into a tree. The cast includes three superb singers: the soprano Regine Hangler (Daphne) and the tenors Andreas Schager (Apollo) and Norbert Ernst (Leukippos). Thursday's concert pairs Messiaen ("Hymne" and the jungle mysticism of "Chronochromie") with Dvorak's vibrant Symphony No. 5.