CEDAR FALLS - "Expect the Unexpected" isn't just a slogan - it should become a trademark for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra.

Fresh from a season that included the wildly successful "Oz With Orchestra," a concert with celebrated bassist Edgar Meyer and a Lincoln tribute, music director Jason Weinberger anticipates the 2009-10 season will "continue to surprise our audiences with some of the most interesting programming in Iowa."

The WCFSO will celebrate its 80th anniversary, as well as 10 years performing at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. These milestones offer a special perspective on the symphony's place in the Cedar Valley, Weinberger said.

"I'm thrilled to lead this organization as it enters its ninth decade. And I hope that our audiences are as excited as we are about the sure-to-be unforgettable experiences. In celebration of the occasion, much of our artistic focus will be on local artists and community partnerships, including a major world premiere by Iowa native Philip Wharton, paired with collaborations and a performance at local high schools. We also will return to our highly successful partnership with Cedar Falls artist Gary Kelley for a unique look at the influence of blues and jazz. And, in addition to our performances at the GBPAC, we will also offer several concerts in Waterloo."

The season kicks off on Sept. 20, with the chamber music concert, "Quint-essential," featuring Weinberger on clarinet along with members of the University of Northern Iowa String Quartet performing music by Mozart. The event will take place in Bengtson Hall in UNI's newly-remodeled Russell Hall.

On Oct. 3, cellist Zuill Bailey is the featured guest artist for "Passion & Prokofiev." Considered one of the pre-eminent cellists of his generation, Bailey will perform Elgar's Cello Concerto, and the concert will include Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony and Wharton's "Fanfares for Open Spaces. "

The family concert, "A Boy, a Wolf and a Giant Jam Sandwich" will be presented Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. The concert features Prokofiev's classic story of Peter and the Wolf along with Philip Wharton's composition based on the popular children's book, "The Giant Jam Sandwich. " The symphony's instrument petting zoo will be in the lobby before the concert.

"Not Your Mother's Mahler" is the Nov. 14 classical concert, showcasing Mahler's Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp in an educationally engaging, participatory way.

Scores of area church choir members will join the symphony for the Dec.12 Holiday Pops, "A Community Celebration. " University of Northern Iowa School of Music faculty member Jeff Brich (tenor) also will be featured. On Jan. 23, the chamber orchestra performance "Bach to Waterloo" will be presented. This intimate concert, featuring selections from Bach's Brandenburg concertos, a number of his cantatas and his Overture No. 1 in C major, will be performed at First Congregational Church in Waterloo.

The focus of "Kelley's Blues," the symphony's Feb. 6 classical performance, will be music written by or inspired by African Americans and their heritage. Audiences will experience a work by James Yancey (J Dilla) arranged by Miguel Atwood Ferguson; Still's "Afro-American Symphony"; Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," featuring UNI School of Music faculty member Genadi Zagor, pianist; and Duke Ellington's only orchestral work, "Les Trois Rois Noirs (The Three Black Kings)." Gary Kelley's original artwork will be projected on screen to accompany the Ellington piece, and he will also create art live on stage during Zagor's performance.

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, performing on the Paraguayan harp, will be the guest for the March 6 "Music of the Americas," as he performs his own composition, "South American Suite for Harp." This concert of American orchestral pieces also will include Ginastera's "Estancia" as well as Copland's "Prairie Journal" and Harris's Symphony No. 3, a portrait of the American west. Cuban-born Alfredo Rolando Ortiz immigrated to Venezuela at 11 and began studying the Venezuelan folk harp. He has recorded more than 40 albums.

On April 10, "Premiere in the Heartland" will offer a world premiere from Iowa composer Philip Wharton. The second half will feature Brahms's Symphony No. 2 in D major.

The Symphony's 2010 Spring Pops, "And the Oscar Goes To …" on April 24, features favorites from some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, including "Star Wars," "Amadeus," "West Side Story" and "Schlindler's List."

Three different season ticket packages are available, including the "Create Your Own" package, which allows patrons to choose the specific performances they wish to attend.

All concerts, unless otherwise noted, will be performed at the GBPAC. Season tickets are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale to the public July 1. For a brochure or to order season tickets, call 273-3373 or e-mail info@wcfsymphony.org.

Contact Melody Parker at 291-1429 or melody.parker@wcfcourier.com.