Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, the 2016-2017 season opens with Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, often referred to as his unfinished symphony. Despite being incomplete, Schubert’s eighth symphony is still widely considered to be a perfect masterpiece.

Also on the program, Seattle-based actor Kurt Beattie, longtime artistic director of ACT Theatre, joins the Sammamish Symphony for a rare performance of Benjamin Lees’ setting of “The Trumpet of the Swan” by beloved author E. B. White.

Adam Stern serves as the orchestra’s music director and conductor, which he has done since 2015.

“Adam has composed three scores for me,” Beattie said. “He has a knowledge of the repertoire that is second to none and always brings forth forgotten gems.”

In addition to the pieces by Schubert and Lees, the program includes the “Karelia Suite,” “Spring Song” and “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius, and “Elegy in Memory of R. Joseph Scott” by Edward Elgar.

The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra performs on the Sammamish plateau, in Downtown Bellevue and in various locations in the Seattle area.The Sammamish Symphony is committed to offering quality music at affordable prices for Eastside residents.

The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra also performs two Summer Pops concerts free of charge. The volunteer ensemble provides opportunity for talented, dedicated musicians to perform with a full symphony orchestra. In addition, the orchestra promotes involvement in the arts for young musicians who are given the chance to participate in classical and pops concerts, and sponsors an annual Youth Concerto competition.

The orchestra will give performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Eastlake Performing Arts Center in Sammamish.

For tickets and more information, visit the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra at www.sammamishsymphony.org.