The Wartburg Community Symphony will conclude its 2024-25 season on Saturday, April 5, with a musical exploration of space.

The 7 p.m. concert in Neumann Auditorium will weave together selections from Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” John Williams’ well-known themes from the first “Star Wars” trilogy and a suite from Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for the film “Interstellar.”

“‘The Planets’ has long been one of Holst’s most performed and cherished works,” said Rebecca Nederhiser, WCS conductor. “Holst uses clashing harmonies, invigorating rhythms, large and lush orchestrations, and compelling melodies to depict the character of each planet. The orchestra will perform ‘Mars’ and ‘Jupiter’ from the suite.”

“Star Wars” selections chosen for the concert are three movements from a 1997 John Williams suite: “Main Title,” “Princess Leia Theme” and “The Imperial March (Darth Vader Theme).”

The suite from Zimmer’s “Interstellar” score will feature Karen Black, Wartburg College professor of organ.

“Zimmer made the organ a key centerpiece of the soundtrack,” Nederhiser said, noting the composer used a specific organ from the Temple Church in London because of its physical resemblance to spaceship afterburners and because of its airy sound, which reminded him “that every breath for an astronaut is precious.”

Two Wartburg College students who won the annual WCS concerto competition will also perform. Flutist Mariah Schmitt will play two movements from Gordon Jacob’s Flute Concerto. Vocalist Lennon Schriever will sing the aria from Mozart’s “Magic Flute.”

Concert tickets cost $20. Youth 18 and younger and Wartburg College students are admitted free. Buy tickets at the door or online at www.wartburg.edu/symphony.

Behind the Music, a preconcert talk with Nederhiser, will begin at 6 p.m. April 5 in Neumann Auditorium.