BY WESLEY SCHULZ

2014-2015 marks the beginning of my fourth season as Music Director of the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, and it is my pleasure to return to the podium this November as your conductor and musical guide. Together we have explored jewels of the orchestra repertory as well as works by lesser-known and emerging composers.

This season we have four marvelous programs with music spanning Beethoven to Gershwin plus living composers such as Michael Daugherty and Kevin Puts. We have stunning soloists such as Angelo Rondello and Gunnar Folsom and collaborators such as the Shakespeare Society and the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra that will bring joy and delight.

Our season begins with music from Russia by Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and Kalinnikov.

Dmitri Shostakovich wrote “Festive Overture” at lightning speed in October and early November 1954. The occasion for the music was the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution. The music is fleet-footed and punctuated by a robust brass section. From the opening fanfare to the breathless conclusion the music is joyous and self-assured. Take my word for it; your heart-rate will be elevated!

Our guest soloist for the program is pianist Angelo Rondello who will perform Tchaikovsky’s “First Piano Concerto,” which had its debut right here in the United States in October 1875.

Many first concertos by composers have had difficult births and such is the case with the “First Piano Concerto.” When Tchaikovsky played it for Nicolai Rubinstein (no relation to Arthur Rubinstein) the latter deemed it vulgar and unplayable. Tchaikovsky was infuriated and refused to change a note. Later he did revise some passages but did not overhaul the work.

As these stories tend to go, Nicolai Rubinstein eventually had a change of heart and championed the work later in his life.

The last work on this program is by a composer you have probably never heard of: Vassili Sergeiovich Kalinnikov. Despite the formidable name, I promise his music is filled with melodies that will leave you whistling, powerful full-orchestra passages of great strength and fortitude, and in the second movement, tenderness and sensitivity.

If you have ever enjoyed a symphony or ballet by Tchaikovsky then I assure you, you will enjoy Kalinnikov. He was a Russian composer who died far too young at age 35. He was in chronic ill health his entire life but before his passing wrote a few works of great worth such as this symphony.

If you have read my column this far, and you haven’t yet attended one of our concerts, I personally invite you to come and share in the music with us.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to dress up if you don’t want to, I don’t mind if you clap between movements if the music stirs you to do so, and if you’re feeling nervous, we have a full bar in the lobby that you can saddle up to before the program starts.

There is something special about hearing a live performance with over 60 musicians on stage working toward the single goal of creating a bond between performer and listener through great music.

You are a crucial part of the process. Have a seat, and take a deep breath. This music is for you.

Wesley Schulz is music director and conductor of the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra.

Tchaikovksy’s “First Piano Concerto”

Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra presents this intoxicating program from Russia. Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” sits at the top of the concerto repertory and pianist Angelo Rondello will dazzle audiences with his energy and technical flair. Vasily Kalinnikov’s life was cut short by illness but not before he wrote his magnificent symphony in G minor. If you are a fan of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies then you will love this hidden jewel from the Russian repertory.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture” will open the program with rousing brass fanfares and spectacular color.

Sponsor: BSO’s Youth in Music Initiative is generously sponsored by Wicklund Dental.

Performances: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. (A pre-concert chat is 2:15 p.m. Sunday.)

Tickets: $19 for adults, and $16 for seniors, students, military and teachers; each youth (18 and under) receives free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Get tickets at 206-842-8569 or www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.