The Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra continues its 2012-13 season, themed “Let’s Dance!,” on March 23 at 8 p.m. at the University of Virginia’s Old Cabell Hall and on March 24 at 3:30 p.m. at Monticello High School in Charlottesville.

Conducted by Music Director Kate Tamarkin, the concerts include Ottorino Respighi’s “Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 1,” Manuel de Falla’s “Suite No. 2 from ‘The Three Cornered Hat,’” Johann Strauss Jr.’s “Emperor Waltzes” and Maurice Ravel’s “La Valse.”

Respighi’s first suite of “Ancient Airs and Dances” reflects his interest in the Renaissance dances of Italy’s golden age. Falla’s “The Three Cornered Hat” pokes fun at life in a small Andalusian town, including seduction and mistaken identity. Although Strauss was Austrian and Ravel was French, both the “Emperor Waltzes” and “La Valse” are explorations of Vienna’s most famous dance.

Both performances are sponsored by Sage Physics & Engineering.

“Know the Score” pre-concert lectures will be presented 45 minutes before each concert. Free of charge, these informative and entertaining lectures by Richard Will, chairman of the McIntire Department of Music in U.Va.’s College of Arts & Sciences and associate professor of music, offer both novice and experienced patrons a deeper appreciation of the performances. Saturday’s lecture will take place in Minor Hall; Sunday’s lecture will be held in the Forum at Monticello High School.

Free parking is available in the U.Va. Central Grounds Parking Garage on Emmet Street on Saturday night and at the high school on Sunday afternoons. Both venues are wheelchair accessible.

Tickets range from $20 to $38, and are $10 for students. U.Va students may request one complimentary ticket in advance. Tickets may be purchased online by calling 434-924-3376 or in person on weekdays between noon and 5 p.m. at the U.Va. Arts Box Office, located in the lobby of the Drama Building at 109 Culbreth Rd.

University employees get a 20 percent discount on tickets to individual performances. This offer does not apply to subscriptions or previously purchased tickets.

Prior to the March 24 performance at the high school, the orchestra will host its third annual Musical Instrument Petting Zoo from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Commons. Miniature Mozarts and budding Beethovens will be able to explore, touch and learn to make sounds on instruments in the string, woodwind and brass families. Members of the orchestra will be on hand to offer demonstrations and answer questions. There is no admission charge for the Petting Zoo.

The final performances of the “Let’s Dance!” season will be held April 20 and 21, with works by Adams, Copland, Bernstein and Ginastera, and featuring clarinet soloist Rob Patterson.