The Austin Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of longtime conductor Stephen J. Ramsey, will provide a colorful schedule in its 61st season that begins in October.

Themed “With Strings Attached,” the orchestra will welcome some of the finest  in May, when internationally-known violinist Sarah Chang performs with ASO.

Chang will help the orchestra celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of America composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

“The members of the orchestra and I feel so very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Sarah Chang — a career highlight, to be sure,” Ramsey said.

A native of New Jersey, Chang will perform in the “Bernstein Suite for Violin and Orchestra.”

She has performed with many well-known orchestras, from the New Philharmonic and Boston Symphony, to orchestras in Vienna, Berlin and Montreal.

Another highlight will be the holiday concert, played in the style of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and featuring the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra and The Austin Symphony Chorus.

ASO will swing into the season on Oct. 29, when it welcomes Austin Big Band and soloist Brian Koser to the “Swinging at the Symphony” concert.

Season tickets are on sale at wwwq.austinmnsymphony.org and online donations are always welcomed. Brochures and tickets will be mailed in upcoming weeks.

Deb Nicklay can be reached at deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com

Austin Symphony Orchestra’s 61st Anniversary Season

1. “Swinging at the Symphony”

2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, Knowlton Auditorium

Featuring Austin Big Band and alto saxophonist, Brian Koser.

Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis: Works for symphony orchestra and Big Band sounds.

George Gershwin Tribute

Darious Milhaud

2. A Trans-Siberian Christmas

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Knowlton Auditorium .

Alt-Rock ensemble of the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra returns to Austin for an energetic and dynamic performance of Christmas music in the style of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Sonia Larson directs this production.

Francis Poulenc: Austin Symphony and Austin Symphony Chorus.

3. Beethoven and Bruch

2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m., Historic Paramount Theatre.

Featuring soloist Emma Andersen.

Bruch: First Violin Concerto featuring soloist Emma Andersen.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3.

4. Sarah Chang !!

2 p.m., Sunday, May 6, Knowlton Auditorium.

World-renowned violinist Sarah Chang will perform in tribute to American composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein.

Bernstein: Bernstein Suite fr Violin and Orchestra.