Smells like...teen spirit? Nah - more like Oktoberfest!

Photo Credit: Sheila Rock

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of September again and already time for the Season Opening weekend of the Cincinnati Symphony - and to celebrate Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, we hear that German beer and wine will be on hand at the cash bars and complimentary German soft pretzels will also be offered, all to the tune of a strolling accordianist. We wonder if he will be playing any of those old German drinking songs which inspired Johannes Brahms to write his Academic Festival Overture? And don't forget to check out those cute little Brahms t-shirts and bobble heads on sale in the Bravo Shop!

This all-Brahms Opening Weekend takes place on Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16 at 8 pm. This week's concerts feature Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture; the Violin Concerto in D Major (Gil Shaham, violin); and the Symphony No. 1 in C Minor. Click here for ticket information.

To celebrate the beginning of Paavo's sixth season as CSO Music Dirctor, don't forget to stay after the concert for some complimentary German chocolate cake in the lobby where Paavo will say a few words and you can be the first in line to have PJ sign your new Britten/Elgar CD! (It's not officially released to the public until September 26, so you'll have bragging rights for a couple of weeks.)

CSOEncore!, the young professionals of the CSO, celebrates Brahmsfest with a post-concert party on Saturday, September 16 in the Critics Club at Music Hall. Young professionals are invited to join in a rousing, Jeopardy-style trivia party. Complimentary appetizers, cash bar, door prizes and special prizes for the winning team are included. The cost is $40 for the concert and trivia game. For reservations please call (513) 744-3590. Deadline is September 14.

Like to hear Paavo's tips on this concert? Listen to Paavo's Notes via MP3. And, hey, be cool like us and read the Program Notes before you go so you can relax in your best bling and stargaze the rest of the crowd!

These concerts will end at approximately 10:10 pm. The program will air via streaming audio for the rest of the world on 90.9 FM, Classical WGUC on Sunday, December 10, at 7:30 pm ET.