MUMBAI: This September, the National Centre for the Performing Arts presents the 15th season of the Symphony Orchestra of India on 20, 21, 26 and 30 September, 2013 at the Jamshed Bhabha theatre, NCPA.

Conceptualised seven years ago by the NCPA with the object of creating the country’s first professional symphony orchestra that would not only offer world-class Western classical music to Indian audiences but also provide a platform to musicians across countries to showcase their skills, the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) has created a strong impression through its successful performances of ballets, operas and challenging symphonic works by great composers, not only in Mumbai but at several international venues as well.

When Maestro Dutoit agrees to conduct the SOI, we know we have ‘arrived’.The programme has been designed to not only display the virtuosity of the Orchestra but also introduce Mumbai audiences to masterpieces not often heard in the city, says SOI chairman, NCPA and founder Khushroo N.Suntook.

The new season of SOI will boast an unusual repertoire featuring compositions by Beethoven, Sibelius, Mussorgsky, J Strauss, Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Khachaturian among others. A highlight of the season is the inclusion of one of the most celebrated conductors today, Maestro Charles Dutoit as the special guest conductor for the season along with Israeli conductor Maestro Lior Shambadal and SOI Music Director - Marat Bisengaliev.