The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra tends to put on shows with specific themes. In January, it was Mozart (celebrating his birthday). In February, it was art. This month, the show will take on a military theme with its performances of pieces by Joseph Haydn and Gustav Mahler.

The program will include Haydn’s Symphony No. 100 (Military), a 20-plus minute long symphony composed in 1794, after the composer was inspired by his time in London. Its military title derives from the piece’s second movement, which features trumpet fanfares and Turkish percussion. Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, composed in 1901-1902, will follow with an hour-plus performance. The piece starts with a melancholy funeral march but ends in a triumphant final movement, rounding out the night in spectacular fashion. A special surprise, which can't be explained here, is also in store for the audience and, more specifically, for those in the military.

Show-goers are invited to a pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. by ECSO Music Director Toshiyuki Shimada and ECSO trombonist Mark Weaver. A reception will also follow the concert.

All military members dressed in uniform will receive free admission to the concert.

Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; pre-show chat at 7 p.m.; $12-$62; (860) 443-2876, ectsymphony.com.