The New London Community Orchestra has done more than just bring great performances to the city. It has also offered free violin and cello lessons to the region’s youth at the Public Library of New London for the last four years. Let’s just say it’s a labor of love — a love for the arts, a love for classical music and a labor to see that love survive through younger generations.

That’s why it will be doubly sweet to see these efforts pay off Saturday when a handful of the orchestra’s younger students take the stage with the adult orchestra.

In a performance highlighting that collaboration, the group will play Mozart’s Symphony No. 30, Pachelbel’s Canon in D (which will feature the youth players), and Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival,” among several other selections.

New London Community Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington St., New London; suggested donation $10; (860) 608-1780, www.nlcommunityorchestra.org.