Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has a hard climb following season-opening Renée Fleming. But they’re prepared to come, to see and to conquer by taking the audience to the glory of Rome. Ottorino Respighi’s final of three suites inspired by the ancient Italian capital is the eponymous core of MSO’s “Roman Festivals” performances, Oct. 6 and 7.

They take listeners from a wild and stormy scene at the Circus Maximus to a religious pilgrimage, an autumnal festival and the eclectic symphony of life in the storied metropolis. It’s joined on the bill by John Adams’ postminimalist “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” Richard Strauss’ “Rosenkavalier Suite” and Hector Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival Overture.” It’s an array of styles and moods analogous to the fever and respite of Mobile’s own three-week pre-Lenten party.