Everyone wins when the Rhode Island Philharmonic opens their rehearsals to the public.

Offered both last month and this, the rehearsals provide the opportunity for those who cannot afford to attend the Saturday night concerts to attend for the bargain price of $20.

The rehearsals are held on the Friday before the Saturday evening event at 5:30 p.m.

The conductor and guest soloist can perform before a live audience and get their reactions, while also making the necessary adjustments.

Music students attending can understand the hard work that goes into preparing for a major concert.

Senior citizens and families with young children can count on getting home at a reasonable hour.

I attended the Beethoven concert on April 12, enjoying the interplay among conductor Joshua Wellerstein, pianist Orli Shaham and the orchestra members.

It makes for an enlightening and entertaining evening.

SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE

The philharmonic’s season finale on Saturday includes Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique!” on Saturday, May 4 at 8:00 p.m.

You can hear it at the Friday, May 3, rehearsal at 5:30 p.m., along with Peter Boyer’s Silver Fanfare and Wynton Marsalis’s Violin Concerto, featuring violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins. Guest conductor is Thomas Wilkins.

Seating is open. I enjoy watching the full orchestra from the 1st balcony, while others prefer sitting close to the stage. Get there a few minutes early, and you have your choice.

For tickets, visit tickets.riphil.org or call 248-7000. They are also available at the door.