No less than John Corigliano himself has praised Cohen’s performance of his “Red Violin,” describing her as “a radiant artist with a flawless technique. Her personal warmth is evident in every stroke of her bow, and this makes her playing totally unique. Her performance of my suite from ‘The Red Violin’ is magnificent.”

CONCERT

Valdosta Symphony Orchestra opens its 2007-08 season with “America the Beautiful.”

When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Ticket: $20.

Season ticket: $75, includes all five concerts.

More information, reservations: Call VSU College of the Arts Outreach, 333-2150.

THE REST OF THE SEASON

_ “Choral Classics,” 8 p.m., Nov. 17. Paul Neal, conductor; soloists with the Valdosta Symphony Chorus, the VSU Concert Choir. Featured music: Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from “Eugene Onegin,” Brahms’ “Nänie,” Berstein’s “Make Our Garden Grow” from “Candide.” Subscription concert.

_ “American Dreams,” 8 p.m., Feb. 9; 2 p.m., Feb. 10 (run-out concert with location to be announced). Lowell Graham, guest conductor; Leon Bates, piano; James Shrader, assistant conductor. Featured music: Creston’s “Dance Overture,” Barber’s 2nd Essay for Orchestra,” Ellington’s “A New World Comin’”, Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” Copland’s “Prairie Journal,” Piston’s “The Incredible Flutist,” Gould’s “Symphony No. 2.” Subscription concert.

_ “Opera Overtures, Scenes, and Arias,” 8 p.m., March 29; 3 p.m. March 30. James Shrader, conductor; Finalists from the 2007 Metropolitan Opera Auditions, including tenor Alek Shrader, baritone Nicholas Pallesen. Featured music: Rossini’s Overture and Selections from “The Barber of Seville,” Donizetti’s Overture and Selections from “The Daughter of the Regiment.” Special concert.