For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT –  Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) will open its 71st season, titled “CommUNITY,” featuring interim music director, Dr. Andres Moran.

The season begins Oct. 12-13, with “United Beginnings,” showcasing Dr. Molly Roseman performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16.

On Dec. 7-8, “Holidays with the CWSO: Family Festivities,” will surely be a treat with a screening of the Academy Award-nominated short animated film, “The Snowman,” accompanied by the CWSO playing the live soundtrack composed by Howard Blake. The second half of the program will feature Désirée Wattelet, soprano, singing favorite holiday pops.

On Feb. 22-23, “Voyages and Variations,” the CWSO will perform the Wisconsin premiere of “Transcend,” by Tian Zhou, a piece commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad.

The season will close April 18-19 with “Ode to Unity.”  Partnering with the Monteverdi Chorale and Wausau Lyric Choir, the CWSO will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Major, Op. 125.  In addition, the CWSO will compile all of the central Wisconsin community photos collected throughout the season and project them on a large screen while performing Jennifer Higdon’s “blue cathedral.”

This year the CWSO will offer a pre-concert discussion with conductor, Andy Moran, from 6:30-7 p.m. in the Sentry Theater.

Renewals for season subscriptions are open until Sept. 1. New and lapsed subscriptions, and individual tickets, are available for all concerts at the CWSO Office, 800 Main St., Stevens Point, or 715-345-7726.  For more information, visit the website cwso.org.