Williamsport Symphony Orchestra is bringing the joy in its inaugural return to the stage for the 2023-24 season, slated for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St.

The season opener, “Rachmaninov and Beethoven: Odes to Joy,” will showcase the famous Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy) and feature choirs from Bucknell University, Lycoming College and the Williamsport Chamber Choir.

“The stage will also come alive with the artistry of guest pianist Christopher Gusman, presenting Rachmaninov’s Paganini Variations for Piano and Orchestra,” according to a press release announcing the season. “Mr. Guzman boasts an impressive international performing career.”

“The performances for the 2023-2024 concert season were selected through a meticulous and thoughtful process that involved collaboration between me, the music director, (and) the orchestra’s musicians, board members and input from the audience,” said Maestro Gerardo Edelstein. “We brainstorm about possible season themes and talk about music that the audience would love to hear, and musicians would love to play.”

Titled “Just For You,” this season “has something for everybody,” Edelstein said.

“From the traditional classical masterpieces to music selections from Broadway and Americana … every performance will be very special, and I look forward to each and every performance with equal enthusiasm,” he said.

The orchestra’s holiday concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, is Broadway themed, featuring timeless hits such as L. Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas Festival overture and a Christmas sing-along.

The orchestra then will start the new year off with “The King of Instruments, The Organ” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The evening will feature compositions by J. Montgomery, G.F. Handel and C. Saint Saens, with organ soloist Marcos Krieger joining the ensemble.

“As the music director, I begin by envisioning the theme and mood of the season and setting a roadmap,” Edelstein said. “I consider factors such as the orchestra’s strengths, the desire to present diverse musical styles, and the desire to engage both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers. Understanding the preferences and interests of the audience is very important for the committee, as it helps shape the selection of pieces.”

The season continues with “a musical journey through the heartland of America” with the fourth concert, named “Wild West Adventures: A Night of Cowboy Music,” on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, according to the press release.

The lineup includes iconic pieces like J. Williams’ “The Cowboys Overture,” A. Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and the spirited “Hoe Down” from A. Copland’s “Rodeo.”

The season concludes on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, featuring cellist Andrew Rammon. The audience will be treated to a performance of A. Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, culminating with “a triumphant rendition” of Symphony No. 2 by S. Rachmaninov, the release said.

“My expectations are always rooted in a commitment to artistic excellence, diversity in repertoire, education, community building, and above all, inspiration,” Edelstein said. “Every year we try to attract new concert goers and I believe that our programming can appeal to people who have never experienced us. I expect the music to deeply connect with our audience’s hearts and minds, creating transformative experiences.”

“My passion lies in bringing the magic of live orchestral music to our audience, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share these musical moments with all of you. Every concert is a chance to connect, inspire and create lasting memories, and I’m honored to be a part of each one of them,” he added. “I personally would like to invite everyone who has never attended a WSO concert; you are in for a great treat, and you won’t be disappointed!”

All performances are scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Arts Center. To secure a seat, get tickets at www.williamsportsymphony.org or call 570-322-0227.