For the fifth concert of its 70th season, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra presents a program called "The Final Frontier," the title of which is meant to convey the vastness of space and, possibly, our inability as mere humans to properly explore it.

But don't let the ECSO fool you. Open your ears Saturday in the Garde Arts Center and let this sublime ensemble escort you to the far reaches of the musical galaxy. As curated by music director and conductor Toshiyuki Shimada, "The Final Frontier" blends contemporary film scores and time-honored works that conjure celestial majesty.

Jerry Goldsmith's "Star Trek V: Main Theme" and "March of the Klingons" and John Williams' "Star Wars: Throne Room and Finale" are iconic works — along with György Liget's gloriously icy Atmosphères, which is associated with Stanley Kubrik's "2001: A Space Odyssey."

The second half of the program boasts The Planets, a magnificent seven-part work by Gustave Holst — and the women vocalists from the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus will be part of the entire performance. Bonus fun: costumed characters from "Star Wars" will roam the Garde lobby for pre-show photo ops.

The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $28-$62, with $12 tickets for under 30 and military personnel; (860) 443-2876.