The Wartburg Community Symphony opens its 60^th season with a Diamond Jubilee celebration Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. in Neumann Auditorium.

Guest artist Daria Rabotkina, a winner of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, will perform solo in Robert Schumann’s “Piano Concerto.” The Russian-born Rabotkina gave solo performances across the United States last season and was lauded by the Cleveland Plain Dealer as “a pianist full of fire and warmth.”

The second concert number will be Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony #1 in E Minor.”

The celebration will include an Orchestra Wall of Fame in the auditorium lobby, showcasing the conductors since the symphony’s inception in 1952. Visuals will trace the history of the orchestra. A video will show what Waverly looked like then, including a symphony rehearsal.

Dr. Daniel Kaplunas, Wartburg professor of music and music director and conductor of the symphony, will meet the audience at a reception following the program along with three former conductors:

• Dr. Robert E. Lee, Wartburg College professor emeritus (1959-64).
• Dr. Franklin Williams, Wartburg College professor emeritus (1965-79 and 1982-84).
• Dr. Lathon Jernigan, University of Northern Iowa professor emeritus 1979-82 and 1985-87.

Jon Tehven, president of the Wartburg Community Symphony Association, will announce the formation of the symphony’s endowment fund and an initial founding gift.

Special seating will be provided for former board members and musicians who have played in the orchestra.

Concert tickets, available at the door, are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Wartburg students with college IDs are admitted free.

Symphony memberships for 2012-13 will be available for $40 for individuals and $75 for families. Memberships increase to the Gold Baton Level of $1,000, which can include the opportunity to sponsor a concert or the season.

For more information, call 319-352-8200 or email wcs@wartburg.edu.