Ours is a world full of wonderful musicians, many of whom travel great distances for the privilege of guesting with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. Why? Because the ECSO is a renowned unit made up of similarly gifted players whose ensemble dynamics and the creatively imagined programs and leadership of music director Toshi Shimada are well admired.

It's pretty great, then, that for Saturday's "Fantastic Fantasies" program in the Garde Arts Center, the soloists are two longtime ECSO members. Violinist/Concertmaster Stephan Tieszen performs Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, and principal orchestra bassist Thomas Green will highlight Johann Baptist Vanhal's Double Bass Concerto. Between the two, they've provided 55 years of service to the ECSO.

These two pieces comprise the middle section of the evening's program. The concert starts with Tchaikovsky's Hamlet: Fantasy Overture, then concludes dynamically with Zoltán Kodály's Háry János Suite. Perpetuating the buzz of the evening is a pre-concert chat at 6:30 p.m., and all attendees are invited to meet and greet fellow concertgoers and ECSO musicians at a complimentary reception after the concert in the Garde lobby.

Worth knowing: The ECSO cares. For anyone under 40, or active/retired military personnel, they offer $12 tickets in most sections. Senior discounts are $40 for seats in Section B and $31 in Section C.

And a special offer for this concert only: for all Federal Workers furloughed or working without pay during the government shutdown, the ECSO will provide free tickets.

With the presentation of a government employment ID at the Garde Arts Center box office or the ECSO office, those qualifying will receive two free tickets, while supplies last.

Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $35-$55; (860) 443-2876, ectsymphony.com.