Central Iowa Symphony opens its 19th consecutive season -- four concerts from October through April -- under the baton of new conductor James Hannon.

Hannon holds a dual appointment conducting the Iowa State University Symphony and Central Iowa Symphony. This continues a close partnership for sharing music, instruments and musicians with Iowa State University and the 70-member community orchestra that includes professional musicians, music educators and accomplished amateurs from Ames and central Iowa. Hannon is the fifth conductor for Central Iowa Symphony and has conducted orchestras in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Sweden.

The 2005-06 season will feature guest soloist Bret Seebeck, principal horn with the Des Moines Symphony, at the October 8 season opener. David Peshlakai, principal cellist with the Jackson, Michigan Symphony, will perform at the season finale April 29, along with the lucky person who earns a spot on the podium in the "Make Me a Maestro" fundraiser. In between will be the orchestra's traditional favorites -- the December 10 holiday concert and a February 25 family concert featuring some of Iowa's best young artists.

All concerts will be in Ames City Auditorium, 515 Clark Avenue.

Season tickets are available at $40 for adults and seniors, and $15 for students of all ages. Patrons who purchase a season ticket now also will receive a bonus: one complimentary ticket that can be used at any of the four concerts in the 2005-06 season.

Season ticket orders should be mailed to Central Iowa Symphony, P.O. Box 1080, Ames, IA 50014-1080, Please indicate the type (adult or student) and quantity of season tickets requested, and include a name, complete mailing address and, if available, e-mail address. Checks should be enclosed with each order, made out to Central Iowa Symphony.

Individual concert tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (ages 65 years or older) and $5 for students. They may be purchased two weeks prior to each concert at Big Table Books or Rieman Music in Ames. To place credit card orders, call Ames City Auditorium offices at (515) 239-5360.