Higdon is one of the most acclaimed young composers in the classical music world. Her works include the Concerto for Orchestra, blue cathedral, and City Scape, all of which have been recorded by the Atlanta Symphony.

Other highlights of the season include the arrival of the SPCO's fifth artistic partner, Roberto Abbado, joining Boyd, Joshua Bell, Nicholas McGegan, and Stephen Prutsman.

Abbado will lead a three-week Mozart festival in April 2006, marking the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth. The repertoire includes the last three symphonies, the Coronation Mass, and a semi-staged production of CosÐ fan tutte.

Visiting soloists include pianists Garrick Ohlsson and Yefim Bronfman; Jeffrey Kahane and Piotr Anderszewski will both lead the SPCO in Mozart piano concertos from the piano.