Highlights include all five of Beethoven's Piano Concertos, presented in numerical sequence with a quintet of exciting soloists; the 2009 Winter Festival—"Paris: Fantasy & Discovery"— devoted to French repertoire of the late ­Romantic and Impressionist eras, and a fond look at Mendelssohn's music to mark the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth.

Maestro Jarvi takes the podium for five of the season's 15 weeks of classical subscription concerts, culminating in a majestic season finale in which he will lead Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," and Bruckner's monumental Symphony No. 7—a fitting end to Jarvi's distinguished tenure with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Continuing its reputation for leadership in programming, the NJSO will introduce two new series: "Best of...", a set of four thematic programs that illuminate classical repertoire for all audiences, and June Fest (June 6–21), an exploration of connections between the universe of music and the world of ideas with thought ­provoking concerts and ancillary events to enhance the experience (details to be announced). Five Pops programs and the three­ concert Family Series round out the season, offering superb music for young and old, connoisseurs and newcomers.

The NJSO adds a series at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn beginning in the 2008–09 season, establishing it as its eighth New Jersey venue and further broadening the Orchestra's accessibility to audiences statewide.

"I'm very pleased with the 2008–09 season," Music Director Neeme Jarvi said. "The NJSO will be performing some of my favorite music and inviting exciting soloists I enjoy working with."

"I love making music with the wonderful musicians of the NJSO, and I look forward to sharing another season with the Orchestra and with New Jersey audiences. Although this is my last season as Music Director, it will certainly not be the end of my relationship with the NJSO; I will enjoy contributing to the Orchestra's artistic growth beyond 2009."

Highlights: classical subscription concerts

Beethoven Piano Concerto cycle: In every generation, great pianists have discovered new dimensions in these inexhaustible works, which embody Beethoven's progression from developing artist to mature visionary. That evolution is retraced in the NJSO's 2008–09 season, as five of today's most accomplished soloists—eminent masters and rising stars— take on these concertos in numerical order.

· In the season opener, audience favorite Vladimir Feltsman brings his virtuosity and interpretive elan to Piano Concerto No. 1, with Arild Remmereit on the podium. Sept. 26–28.

· Simone Dinnerstein, whose best­selling Telarc recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations appeared on many writers' "Best of 2007" lists, joins the NJSO for Piano Concerto No. 2; Thierry Fischer conducts. Nov. 28–30.

· Jonathan Biss, an internationally acclaimed artist of startling maturity, plays Piano sound and immaculate technique, takes the stage with conductor James Gaffigan and the NJSO for Piano Concerto No. 4. Mar. 20–22, 24.

· Maestro Jarvi and powerful Siberian virtuoso Denis Matsuev cap the season with Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," in Jarvi's final subscription­concert appearance as the NJSO's Music Director. May 1­3, 5.

2009 Winter Festival: The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra explores French music from the 1870s to the First World War in Paris: Fantasy and Discovery, January 9–25, 2009. The European era of peace, technological advancement and cultural innovation known as the Belle Epoque saw a flowering of creativity in French music. Three weeks of concerts—conducted by two generations of Jarvis, Neeme and Kristjan—bring a piquant mix of old favorites and new discoveries from this fruitful era.

Mendelssohn's 200th anniversary: A child prodigy who went on to great success as an adult, Felix Mendelssohn, confident and prolific, lived a life much at odds with the popular conception of the angst­ridden Romantic composer. The NJSO joins a chorus of orchestras around the world in celebrating the music of this seminal and entertaining composer.

· Violin Concerto and Ruy Blas Overture: German­Japanese conductor Jun Markl conducts the NJSO; Vadim Gluzman—praised by The Washington Post for his "commanding technique, spontaneity and visionary breadth"—solos in Mendelssohn's well­loved Violin Concerto. Oct. 3–5, 7. Son and Stranger Overture: this rarity, from a cantata Mendelssohn wrote as a gift for

· Maestro Jarvi, who will be joined by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Eric Wyrick for Ferruccio Busoni's seldom­heard Violin Concerto. Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme of Corelli furthers the program's Italian theme. April 24–26. -- www.njsymphony.org