VALDOSTA – Valdosta Symphony Orchestra is preparing to take up the baton for a new season.

Comprised of Valdosta State University music faculty, students, community musicians and regional musicians, the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra 2019-20 season presents several concerts.

The orchestra has been part of the Valdosta cultural scene since 1990. The 2019-20 lineup represents the 30th VSO season.

A few years ago, the VSO won the prestigious American Prize in Orchestral Performance.

The VSO presents a youth concert series, instructional performances for area children the day prior to the public concerts. The VSO is also the umbrella organization for the South Georgia String Project, which provides string lessons to area youths. Toys for Tots is traditionally scheduled for a Saturday early in the year and introduces instruments to youngsters.

Howard Hsu is the orchestra conductor.

The concerts feature guest musicians and the on-going partnership with Dance Arts in presenting the decades-old tradition of “The Nutcracker.”

Concerts are scheduled for Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood, except for the “Nutcracker” concert which traditionally plays Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St.

More information: Call VSU College of the Arts Outreach, (229) 333-2150; or visitwww.valdostasymphony.org.

THE SEASON

— Clyne’s “Masquerade,” Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” Op. 43, featuring Rachel Cheung on piano; Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36 Run date: Sept. 28.

— Mozart’s “Magic Flute Overture,” K. 620, Barber’s Violin Concerto, Op 14, featuring Elena Urioste on violin, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92. Run date: Oct. 26.

— Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” with Dance Arts, Inc. Run dates: Dec. 6-8.

— Casual Classics: Melodica Men. Nationally known group and a YouTube sensation of two men who play a cross between a keyboard and a harmonica backed by the VSO. Run date: Feb. 15.

— “Defiant Requiem: Verdi At Terezin,” Verdi’s “Requiem.” Run date: March 28.

— Berlioz’s “Les Troyens: Marche troyenne,” Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod,” Wagner’s “Die Walküre of the Valkyries,” Wagner’s “Götterdämmerung: Siegfrieded’s Death and Funeral March,” Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.” Run date: May 2.