OTTUMWA — The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra has unveiled plans for the 2009-2010 “A Legendary Season.”

Under the direction of conductor Robert McConnell, the regional orchestra now in its 59th year, will perform a full slate of classical concerts, Kidsymphony concerts, summer and Christmas concerts, the Pops and educational activities. Complete details about the orchestra and the season are available at www.seiso.us.

The first performance is the annual “Symphonic Blast” July 11 in Burlington’s Crapo Park. Starting at dusk, the free concert will be a blend of popular and light classical music. As always, it will conclude with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and fireworks.

Next up is a free concert for the final night of RAGBRAI, at 6:30 p.m. July 24 at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.

POPS Concerts

In September, SEISO will perform two POPS concerts with the internationally famous blues musician, composer and recording artist, Patrick Hazell, called “a legend in Iowa music.” He is considered by many to be one of the finest and most creative harmonica players in the music world, and is in the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame and the Iowa Music Association Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.

The first performance with dinner and concert will be Sept. 19 at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa.

The Burlington Pops will be Sept. 20 at Memorial Auditorium.

Tickets for dinner and the concert are ordered directly through the Burlington or Ottumwa Pops Committees. Reservation forms will be mailed in August.

People also may order Pops tickets by contacting the Symphony Office at 610 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641; or write — seiso@iwc.edu. Tickets for concert-only seating will be available (without prior reservations) at the door.

Classical Series

Season tickets are on sale for SEISO’s classical concert series (fall, winter and spring).

The fall concert series, Oct. 24-25, welcomes two returning young friends: Colton Peltier and Serena Lu. Peltier, 14, will play Liszt’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.”

Lu will perform Mozart’s “21st Piano Concerto.”

The orchestra also will perform Sibelius’s tone poem, “En Saga,” and the Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and “Cossack Dance” from “Mazeppa.”