Music lovers are discovering the charms of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's new series, Bach & Beyond.

        Tuesday's concert, launching the second season in Corbett Auditorium at the University of Cincinnati, was delayed 15 minutes while concertgoers lined up for tickets. They were not disappointed. Both the formula — mostly baroque and classical works for small orchestra — and the superb soloists made for an irresistible combination.

        The program was designed and conducted by Jaime Laredo, who took up his violin for the opening Bach Concerto in G Minor. A communicative leader, he inspired joyous, spontaneous playing and robust sound from the CSO musicians. His own playing was vibrant and imaginatively phrased.

        The largo movement was memorable for his richly expressive line, soaring over pizzicato strings and harpsichord continuo (Michael Chertock).

        The G Minor theme continued in Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos, with cellists Sharon Robinson (who is married to Mr. Laredo) and the CSO's Eric Kim. While energetic, they were not perfectly matched. She projected a refined, weightless sound full of color; his was more brash.

        Ms. Robinson returned for a virtuoso performance of Tchaikovsky's showpiece, Variations on a Rococo Theme. It was a deeply felt, romantic interpretation that was never indulgent, and no two phrases were played alike. The orchestra provided glowing support as Mr. Laredo anticipated every rubato and ritard.

        After intermission, Tango by Argentinean Jose Bragato, again featuring Ms. Robinson, was a delicious detour. The 10-minute piece evokes Buenos Aires with vivid rhythms and languid melodies, colored by bongos and string glissandos. Ms. Robinson's playing was sensuous and passionate, and Mr. Laredo drew magical orchestral colors.

        A chamber-sized orchestra was onstage for the concluding Mozart Symphony No. 31 in D Major, K. 297, Paris. Mr. Laredo made the most of contrasts between light and dark, and the result was exhilarating.

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