CLASSICAL | Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra 

What's the best way to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! It's a truism that musicians know far too well, and in the case of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, it's a journey you're invited to join. The RPO will present two performances of Howard Hanson's lyrical opera "Merry Mount" on April 10 and 12 at the Eastman Theater, as part of the organization's preparation for its performance at Carnegie Hall's "Spring for Music" event. The RPO will be joined by the Eastman-Rochester Chorus and the Bach Children's Chorus. Michael Christie is set to guest conduct. "Merry Mount" is a lyric opera in three acts, depicting the conflicts between the Puritans and the Cavaliers in 1625 New England. The piece premiered in 1934 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Hanson served for 40 years as director of the Eastman School of Music.

The RPO performs Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m. at the Eastman Theater, 60 Gibbs Street, tickets are $15-$92. 274-1000, rpo.org.