Each summer concert series presented by Arcady Music Society has a theme title that guides the listener. Last week’s was “East Meets West.” Next week’s is “The Next Generation.” Within the first few notes of Stravinsky’s classical ballet piece “Apollon Musagete” Monday in Minsky Hall at the University of Maine, the Arcady Festival Orchestra quickly suggested it might exceed the title of this week’s theme: “Reaching for the Stars.” It might have rather been called simply “The Stars.”

The orchestra, made up of 18 string players from around the world, including Orono, was directed by Ronald Braunstein, an American conductor whose talent has been acknowledged with many awards and prestigious appearances.

And for good reason. Braunstein brings out the fullness of song and is precise without ever being stiff or mechanical. He took the Stravinsky down to a whisper and then built it back to proportions that offered more than a clue to the effect this composer had on the 20th century. The musicians played with a finely restrained touch that delivered distinction rather than fussiness.

In the second half, violin soloist Francisca Mendoza, a Chilean, blazed onto stage with three miniature pieces zinging with romance and fire. Two were by Pablo Sarasate and one was by Isaac Albeniz, and all three were played with successfully aggressive gaudiness and pugnacity.

Mendoza’s electric rhythms communicated the spark of these passionate works. She could have only been more expressive had she been holding a tango partner rather than a violin. Dazzle rather than warmth was her striking quality.

The final performance of the concert was a truly bright rendition of Grieg’s Holberg Suite. Braunstein was scrupulous in observing the dynamic spectrum of melody in this idiomatic score. The fourth movement — the Air — had a flair that was haunting and rich.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more attentive and collaborative group of musicians than the Arcady orchestra. They offer this program at three more venues and will play a live concert today at 11 a.m. on Maine Public Radio. Whether the musicians deliver something flowery or fiery, the talent level is high and spacious.

Arcady Music Festival will present “Reaching for the Stars” at 7 p.m. Aug. 3, at Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church; 8 p.m. Aug. 4, at the Alamo Theater in Bucksport; and 8 p.m. Aug. 5, at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. For information, call 288-3151.