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There is a new home, albeit just a temporary one. Also a new conductor and a budget that will have to be treated carefully.

But Riverside County Philharmonic officials say they are optimistic about the coming season.

And, Arts and Entertainment Editor Bob Sokolsky says, it does promise to be an eventful season, especially with the naming of Tomasz Golka to succeed the late Patrick Flynn as conductor and music director. That's in addition to the Philharmonic's move to the Fox Performing Arts Center while the Municipal Auditorium is being renovated.

However, Sokolsky points out, a drop in donations is causing a number of changes. The Sunday afternoon youth concerts have been dropped. The outreach program has been trimmed and staff office hours are being reduced.

The results of all this could be tense, Sokolsky says. But the orchestra's highly recommended new conductor and its history of overcoming past problems indicates a justified reason for confidence.