The Columbus Symphony Orchestra has released its 2011-12 season and there are plenty of concerts that should appeal to a lot of different people.

George Del Gobbo, the conductor and music director, is really excited about the season. I haven’t heard him that excited in a long time.

All concerts include the “Know the Score” lecture at 6:30 p.m. at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts’ Patrons Room. It’s free, but guests must have a concert ticket.

Concerts are at 7:30 p.m., unless specially noted, at the Bill Heard Theatre. Tickets cost $22-$32; $10 for Student Rush tickets one hour before each concert; $5 for children 11 and younger. Season tickets are $101-$175. To buy tickets, call 706-256-3632.

First is “Brahms and Prokofiev,” featuring guest artist pianist Claire Huangei. The program includes Weber’s overture to “Der Frieschutz,” Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 3 in C-Major, Opus 26,” Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4 in E-Minor, Opus 98.” It’s set for Sept. 17.

“Beethoven and the Symphony” highlights the orchestra. The program includes Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2 in D-Major, Opus 36” and “Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major (“Eroica”), Opus 47.” It’s Oct. 15.

“The Classical (and Jazzy) Clarinet” features guest artist clarinetist David Odom. The program includes Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C-Major, BWV 1066,” Copland’s “Clarinet Concerto,” Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in G-Minor, K. 550.” It’s Nov. 19.

“A Christmas Family Concert” features the orchestra and special guest Santa Claus. The program includes plenty of holiday favorites. It will be performed 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets cost $10 or $5 for children 11 and younger.

“A Riddle Wrapped Inside an Enigma” features guest artist pianist Alexander Kobrin, a member of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music faculty. He was the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner. He won the prestigious piano competition in 2005. The program includes Ives’ “The Unanswered Question,” Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Opus 43,” Elgar’s “Enigma Variations, Opus 36.” It’s Jan. 21.

“My Jazzy Valentine” features guest artist trumpeter and vocalist Joe Grandsen. The program of love songs will be performed on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

“Carmina & Copland” features the Columbus State University Chorale with conductor Constantina Tsolainou, the Auburn University Chamber Choir with conductor William C. Powell, Voices of the Valley Youth Choir with conductor Elizabeth Parker, and soprano Stacey Tappan, tenor Andrew Skoog and baritone Thomas Meglioranza. The program includes Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite” and Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” It’s March 31.

“And Now, the Concerto ...” features guest artist violinist Tai Murray. The program includes Corelli’s “Concerto Grosso, Opus 6, No. 4,” Shostakovich’s “Violin Concerto, Opus 99,” Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra.” It’s April 21.

Now go out and buy some tickets!