CEDAR FALLS - A quick glance at the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra's 2007-08 season program shows an eclectic mix of themes and guest artists. Delve deeper, and one will find a strong focus on the kinds of classical music audiences embrace, as well as a few unconventional presentations.

"Some of the events and themes may seem unconventional, but actually the programming is a little more traditional than we've done in the past few years. There are so many exciting things happening with this season and lots of Iowa connections," says Music Director Jason Weinberger.

Composer Philip Wharton and noted cellist Matt Haimovitz are among featured performers. The season includes five classical concerts, two pops concerts, two family concerts, a chamber music performance and a chamber orchestra performance. In addition, a free pre-season performance will take place at the Sturgis Falls Celebration.

One of the season's highlights promises to be a collaboration between the orchestra and artist Gary Kelley. It re-imagines Gustav Holst's "The Planets" as a visual allegory with illustrations by Kelley projected above the orchestra.

"Certainly our project with Gary is going to be a tremendous experience. Gary suggested it, and I love the idea of combining music and the visual artist. We've never done anything quite like that, and I know it's going to be fantastic," Weinberger enthuses.

Performances with the Metropolitan Chorale, Wartburg College Choir and Sweet Adelines tap into more Cedar Valley talent.

Weinberger is particularly anticipating September's add-on chamber music concert featuring "Music from the End of Time," in conjunction with the UNI Holocaust Remembrance and Education Program. "All of my grandparents were survivors of the Holocaust, so it hits close to home for me. I think I can offer a unique perspective to the program, because of my family heritage," the conductor says.

Weinberger begins work in July as associate conductor for the Louisville Orchestra in Kentucky. It's not unique for sought-after conductors to work with another orchestra while maintaining their primary orchestra. Weinberger is a frequent guest conductor at other orchestras and has worked with the National Symphony in Washington, D.C.

"I've consolidated all my guest conducting into the position in Kentucky. I'll be doing most of the education-related work and community engagement, and serve as a back-up to their music director," he explains. "I'll also be leaving the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa. I enjoyed teaching, but my dream from day one has been to conduct all the time. I feel I can have a greater impact as a conductor, so it's a dream come true for me."

A search also is under way for a new executive director to replace Rachel Ford, who left for a similar position with the Knoxville (Tenn.) Symphony Orchestra.

Season tickets are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale{M3 FILL IN THE BLANK. All concerts, unless otherwise noted, will be performed at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls. To receive a brochure, call 273-3373 or e-mail information@wcfsymphony.org.

Pre-season preview

Free Pops concert as part of Sturgis Falls Celebration

3:45 p.m. June 24, Overman Park

Local vocalist Kathie Barry, joined by the orchestra and her husband, (and WCFSO principal oboe) Tom Barry, on sax.

Chamber

"Music from the End of Time"

2 p.m. Sept. 16, Davis Hall, GBPAC

Add-on event

In partnership with UNI's Holocaust Remembrance and Education Program, Weinberger is joined by WCFSO musicians Jonathan Chenoweth, Anita Tucker and Sean Botkin to present Olivier Messiaen's 1941 masterpiece, first performed by Messiaen during captivity at the Stalag VIIIA prisoner-of-war camp in Germany. The program also will feature shorter works by Holocaust-era composers Paul Hindemith and Erwin Schulhoff.

"A Family Affair"

7:30 p.m. Jan. 12, Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls

Chamber Orchestra, Philip Wharton, composer-in-residence

Wharton, a graduate of Julliard and Eastman, returns to Iowa to introduce his new work commissioned by his uncle and to perform an intimate concerto by Mozart. The pre-concert dinner at Montage continues this season, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and this event sells out quickly.

Classical

"The Russian Connection"

7:30 p.m. Oct. 6

Matt Haimovitz, cello

Since his 1984 debut with the Israel Philharmonic, Haimovitz has established himself as one of classical music's most adventurous artists.

Gary Kelley's "Planets"

Gary Kelley, artist

7:30 p.m. Nov. 3.

Kelley re-imagines Gustav Holst's "The Planets," and his vision will be presented on screens above the orchestra, cued to the orchestra's live performance.

Shakespeare in Love

Claudia Anderson, flute

7:30 p.m. Feb. 2

The series of Iowa collaborations continues with a recent American flute concerto performed by WCFSO principal flute Claudia Anderson.

German Requiems

John Hines and Rosemary Gast, vocal soloists

Metropolitan Chorale and Wartburg Choir

7:30 p.m. March 1

Joining the WCFSO in this multi-institutional collaboration are the Metropolitan Chorale and Wartburg Choir along with UNI faculty member Hines and Wartburg faculty member Gast.

Accidental Americans

Alexander Solomon, piano

7:30 p.m. April 8

Alexander Solomon has appeared with a touring orchestra in Ibiza, Spain, as well as at many summer music festivals around the world.

Family

Tales & Scales - "Just Beyond the Junkyard"

2 p.m. Oct. 21.

Features the acclaimed "music-telling" troupe Tales & Scales. The Instrument Petting Zoo will be in the lobby. The Hearst Center pre-concert craft activity is an add-on event in the lobby at 12:30 p.m.

Cowboys of the Americas

Calle Sur

2 p.m. Feb. 17

Iowa-based Latin duo Calle Sur will perform and the Instrument Petting Zoo will be available in the lobby.

Pops

Holiday Pops / A Mannheim Holiday

Lis March and Sweet Adelines

2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15

This year's Holiday Pops will feature the wildly popular music of Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller.

Spring Pops / BRAVO BROADWAY!

7:30 p.m. April 26 and 2 p.m. April 27

Broadway stars Debbie Gravitte, Doug LaBrecque and Anne Runolfsson will perform a night of familiar favorites.

Special event

Home Cookin'

Iowa Composer's Forum Project

TBA, May 10, 2008

The program is the first new music concert by a major Iowa orchestra is several years.