2008 marks the 30th year of the unusual and innovative series of concerts by Orpheus. Orpheus has a reputation for always doing something different and this anniversary season is no exception. For the first time in its history, Orpheus will venture into the world of opera. In keeping with the tradition of "something old, something new", we will explore both ends of this spectrum. Saturday, March 15 - Guest artists the "Elcimarronensemble Ensemble" from Basel, Switzerland will perform works by Heinz Holliger , Balz Trümpy, Bettina Skrzypczak, Stefano Taglietti. Sunday, March 16 - Guest artists the "Elcimarronensemble Ensemble" from Basel, Switzerland will perform Hans Werner Henze's chamber opera "El Cimarron". Friday, April 4 - This evening will present the strings of Orpheus supporting guest soloists Michael and Jelena Flaksman, a cello duo from Mannheim, Germany. They will perform works by Sergei Rachmaninov, Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Vivaldi and the world premiere of a new work by Orpheus Artistic Director Jack Fortner "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow..." composed specially for Michael Flaksman. Wednesday, April 11 - On this Fresno Guitar Festival concert, guitarist Corey Whitehead and saxophonist Alan Durst will give the first performance of Apostolos Paraskevas' guitar concerto "A night with the Aristocrats" commissioned by these two fantastic players. Saturday, May 17 - The season finale will be a nostalgic look back at Orpheus' first season in 1978 and will present compositions presented in that initial season. At the top of the list is the sumptuous "Introduction and Allegro" by Maurice Ravel and the lyric romantic essay by Richard Wagner "Siegfried Idyll." Orpheus needs your help!