POTSDAM -- The Orchestra of Northern New York has programmed a wide array of orchestral works, from the great classics to lighter, familiar and celebrated pops for its 2015-2016 season.

The 28th season of the North Country's professional symphony orchestra begins with "Russian Passion," a concert that will open with Sibelius' masterpiece, Finlandia, Op. 26, which celebrates freedom, strength and heroism. David Heuser's Something Miraculous Burns will make its New York State premiere. The electrifying work is taken from the poem, "Music," dedicated to Dmitry Shostakovich and written by Soviet poet, Anna Akhmatova. Heuser is the Assistant Dean of the Crane School of Music. The second half of the program will feature Tchaikovsky's majestic Symphony No. 4.

The performance will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in SUNY Potsdam's Hosmer Hall.

The Orchestra invites the public "Home for the Holidays" when it will present its holiday pops concert with a wonderful collection of new and old seasonal favorites including The Night Before Christmas, selections from The Nutcracker, a visit from Santa and more.

Two performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Hosmer Hall and on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Massena. The Sunday concert benefits Massena Music Friends.

ONNY turns to Baroque programming in the new year when it presents, "Music for the Royal Fireworks," an exquisite collection of music from the royal courts of Europe that will feature Handel's stunning Music from the Royal Fireworks. Also to be performed will be the dazzling Music for the Suppers of the King by Michel de Lalande and other great music from the exciting golden era of the Baroque.

The performance will be held Sunday, Jan. 31, at 3:30 p.m., St. Mary's Church, Potsdam.

ONNY is pleased to collaborate with Classical Kids Productions, Chicago, for a world-acclaimed multi-media production. It is the story of Beethoven, an eccentric boarder, who turns a young boy's life upside down as he learns to understand the composer's moods and frustrations with going deaf. The Orchestra will perform over two dozen excerpts including Moonlight Sonata, Symphonies 5 - 9, Fur Elise, and more.

In addition, the winner of the Tenth Annual James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition will perform at this concert, to be held Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in Hosmer Hall.

Spring Classical Concert

This exhilarating concert, Dvorak and Brahms, will blend one of the most majestic and popular piano concertos of all time with the pastoral and powerful music of Dvorak's Czech Suite. Paul Wyse, internationally acclaimed pianist, will perform Brahm's Piano Concerto No. 2 in Bb Major, Op. 83 in his farewell concert as a member of the SUNY Potsdam Artist Faculty.

Performances will be held Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 pm. in Hosmer Hall and Sunday, April 17 at 3 p.m. in the Dulles State Office Building.

Perhaps its most popular offering of the season, the summer Pops concert will feature the award-winning members of the Susquehanna String Band and guest artist Gretchen Koehler (2012 inductee into the Fiddling Hall of Fame). ONNY will celebrate Independence Day, recognize veterans, and provide a wonderful evening of Americana music, including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, The Stars and Stripes Forever, and other patriotic works.

The concert is slated for Thursday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m. in Hosmer Hall and Friday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m. in Thompson Park, Watertown. The concert in the park is free and open to the public.

Season tickets are now available, and represent a savings of up to $22 on an adult ticket. For the Potsdam Series, purchase five concerts and get the sixth one free.

Single tickets to individual concerts are $22 adults, $18 for seniors (62+) and military personnel; $5 for students, 6 - 17; and free for children, five and younger.

Groups of ten or more can realize an additional 10 percent off regular ticket prices.

For more information, contact the ONNY business office at 267-3251. For tickets, call the CPS box office at 267-2277 or visit onny.org.