John Adams once remarked about the title of his distinguished piece “Short Ride in a Fast Machine”: “You know how it is when someone asks you to ride in a terrific sports car, and then you wish you hadn’t?” This week, the celebratory opening of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s new season will showcase conductor Bruno Ferrandis clutching the steering wheel, stomping on the gas and white-knuckling Adams’ piece, taking that terrific hot rod out for a spin. Guest violinist Tedi Papavrami plays Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no. 1, and Shostakovich’s Symphony no. 5 closes the program. Celebrate the Santa Rosa Symphony’s 86th year Saturday—Monday, Oct. 5—7, at the Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Oct 5 and 7 at 8pm; Oct. 6 at 3pm. $20—$75. 707.546.8742.
