POTSDAM -- The Orchestra of Northern New York will kick off its 27th concert season Sept. 27 with Music From the Heart, dedicated to composer Robert Washburn.

Orchestra Music Director Kenneth Andrews will conduct the concert, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam.

The program includes Elegy by the late Robert Washburn to whom the concert is dedicated. Washburn was a dean at the Crane School of Music for many years, and was a gifted composer.

The season opens with three works from the 19th century Corsaire Overture, Siegfreid Idyll and Brahms Pastoral Symphony.

The annual musical holiday brunch will take place Sunday, Dec. 7 in the Barben rooms, Cheel Center, Clarkson University. Advance reservations are required. Live music and a silent auction will accompany a buffet.

The annual holiday celebration concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec 12 at Hosmer Hall. It will include many holiday favorites such as Do You Hear What I Hear, The Nutcracker, The Carol of Bells, Sleigh Ride and “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.

The James and Katherine Andrews Young Artists Instrumental Competition is planned for Saturday, Jan. 19 at 9 a.m. in Hosmer Hall. High school students are invited to compete. Cash prizes will be awarded and the winner will perform with the orchestra in March.

A winter concert that features Italian bravura is set for Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 20 Lawrence Ave., Potsdam. The performance from the Baroque Orchestra will be highlights by the North American premiere of Andrea Zani’s cello concerto in F minor performed by co-principal cellist Jonathan Tortolano, in his first solo appearance with the orchestra.