PHOTOS: Symphony Opens Season

The audience reacted favorably Sunday to the familiar sounds of Inland Valley Symphony, which came with a twist.

The symphony's conductor, Maestro Anthony Parnther, is taking the orchestra in a new direction, which includes adding vocals to at least two of its scheduled productions.

Sunday, eight vocalists belted out well-known Broadway tunes. At the orchestra's next concert, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, the Ukrainian National Choir will help bring the sounds of the holidays for "Celebrate the Season."

Other shows this season include "Romeo & Juliet," at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, with overture from "Romeo & Juliet" performed by Ryan MacEvoy McCullough on Chopin Piano Concert No. 1, along with Meg Cassell performing Strauss Oboe Concerto.

Then at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, is the "Young People's Concert," featuring winners of the 2012 Young Artist Competition, "Phantom of the Opera" and a performance by the Inland Valley Youth Symphony.

The final concert is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 26, and will feature music by John Williams, with sounds from "Star Wars," "Schindler's List" and "Indiana Jones."

All shows are held in Murrieta Mesa High School's Gershwin Performing Arts Center, 24801 Monroe Ave., Murrieta.

Admission is $20 per concert, or can be purchased for the season at a discount. Senior, military, student and children's discounts are available. Visit Inlandvalleysymphony.org for more information.