The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra has unveiled plans for the 2008-09 season, “We Have it All.”

The regional orchestra, now in its 58th year, will continue with a full slate of classical concerts, Kidsymphony concerts, summer and Christmas concerts, The Pops and educational activities.

The first performance is July 5 — the annual “Symphonic Blast” in Burlington’s Crapo Park. The concert will be a blend of popular, pops and classical music and will conclude with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and a fireworks display.

“Symphonic Blast” is in the evening after Burlington’s “Gentle Day in the Park.” Listeners should bring lawn chairs.

2 POPS concerts

SEISO will perform two POPS concerts with the internationally famous song and dance man, Tony Sandler, in his newest show, “Chevalier, Maurice and Me.” The first dinner/concert will be Sept. 13 in Memorial Auditorium, Burlington.

Ottumwa’s performance will follow Sept. 14 at Bridge View Center. Tickets for dinner and the concert are ordered directly through the Burlington or Ottumwa Pops Committees. Those who do not receive a season brochure and want to order Pops tickets for the first time, should contact the Symphony Office at 610 North Main, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641 or write to seiso@iwc.edu. Tickets for concert-only seating will be available at the door.

Season tickets are on sale for the classical concert series — $30 for adults, $15 for students and $60 for family passes.

Pianist returns

The fall concert series Oct. 18-19 welcomes back internationally acclaimed pianist Spencer Myer. The concerts begin with Debussy’s immortal “La Mer” and the Shostakovich classic, “Festive Overture.”

Myer, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most outstanding pianists of his generation, will provide the finale with Beethoven’s magnificent “Piano Concerto No. 5 – ‘Emperor’.”

Kidsymphony

Kidsymphony, the annual concert for families, will feature “Peter and the Wolf,” a favorite for all children. Performances are scheduled Nov. 8 in Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant and Burlington.

Music director Robert McConnell and the orchestra will take a light-hearted approach to introducing parents and children to the symphony orchestra. Tickets are sold at the door ($3 for adults and $2 for kids) or included free of charge with season tickets ordered before July 15.

‘Messiah-Sing!’