Three things to know ...

American conductor Ryan Bancroft returns to NACO to lead an evening of music that reflects the beauty and majesty of nature. Violinist Clara-Jumi Kang's deep love for Beethoven began when she first performed the composer's music at 8 years old. Dvořák's Eighth Symphony became so popular, he was invited to conduct the work at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.

A summer holiday in the Bohemian countryside inspired Antonín Dvořák to compose his tranquil Eighth Symphony, where the composer weaves the traditions of Czech folk music with his own romantic melodies to evoke the beauty of his surroundings. Although this is a work of abstract music (meaning it doesn't tell a specific story), listen closely and you'll hear the enchanting sounds of summer — from beautiful birdsong to the echoes of a shepherd's horn and even a rumbling thunderstorm.

Ludwig van Beethoven's only concerto for solo violin and orchestra offers its own moments of pastoral poetry. Performed by soloist Clara-Jumi Kang — who brings "poise, gentleness, and warmth" (The Strad) to every moment — Beethoven's mix of delicate lyricism and foot-stomping country dances will immediately transport you to sun-streaked meadows.

And opening the program is Andrea Tarrodi's Lucioles, a work of shimmering orchestral colors and heavenly harmonies that depicts the mesmerizing flight of fireflies across the midnight sky.