With this season opening concert — a journey from France to Russia and back again — we will rejoice with music to honor our much-anticipated return to the audience-filled concert hall.

Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 —known best as the “Organ” Symphony for its grand final movement featuring its namesake instrument—was written in 1886 at the height of his career. This gloriously euphoric, satisfyingly gutsy work features themes of renewal and resurrection and, like the Rhapsody, uses the Dies irae chant as a recurring musical motif. A performance not to be missed, the “Organ” Symphony truly awakens the spirit.