First chords | Music Features [Video]

Concert-goers got a look Tuesday night at what’s in store for them under the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s young new music director in a preview program that featured selections from the 2015-16 season.

Stare assumed his position leading the RPO last September, but by then this year’s performances were already set, so next year will be both the first series he has designed and the first in which he’ll be the person most often on the podium. The season will consist of an intentional mix of familiar works and new pieces. That reflects Stare’s plan for building his relationship with Rochester audiences and the orchestra – and for expanding the RPO’s relationship with the community.

The season will include 12 Philharmonics programs, eight of which will be conducted by Stare. Guest conducting appearances will include Fabien Gabel (the Quebec conductor who received rave reviews when he conducted here in 2014), Gunther Herbig (former …