Pianist Golka joins orchestra in Walnut Creek

Like many local arts organizations, the California Symphony returns to live, in-person performances this month with an almost audible sigh of relief. The 2021-22 season under Music Director Donato Cabrera includes a full roster of familiar and new music, including the postponed world premiere of former composer in residence Katherine Balch’s oratorio “Illuminate,” due in March.

But to open the season, Cabrera and the orchestra welcome pianist Adam Golka as soloist in Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto. Also on the program are Marianna Martines’ 1770 Symphony in C, and the Fifth Symphony of Ralph Vaughan Williams.

California Symphony: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. $20-$74. Proof of vaccination required. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. 925-943-7469. www. californiasymphony.org

Courtesy Adam Golka