SPRINGFIELD — Concertgoers on Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) opening night on Saturday, Oct. 11, “A Night in Italy,” will witness a meaningful collaboration as Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO) musicians perform alongside SSO musicians for the first time on the Springfield Symphony Hall stage.

Sixteen SSYO string musicians, performing on violin, viola, and cello, will share the stage with SSO musicians for Ottorino Respighi’s “Ancient Airs and Dances,” making history for the start of the SSO’s 82nd season. Tickets for opening night are available at springfieldsymphony.org or by calling the SSO Box Office at (413) 733-2291.

“One of the most meaningful things we can do as an orchestra is to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians, SSO President and CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts said. “Bringing our youth orchestra members together with our professional musicians not only gives these young players an unforgettable experience, but also strengthens the bond between our orchestra and the community we serve.”

Jonathan Lam, music director and conductor of the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra, has been preparing the students for this debut side-by-side performance with the SSO. He has served as Music Director of the SSYO since 2007.

“In my tenure as conductor for the SSYO, we have continually strived for high-level performance and musicianship,” Lam said. “This side-by-side [with the SSO] allows this collection of youngsters the opportunity to display all their hard work.”