Several themes, or subplots, were woven into Thursday night’s Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s presentation of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Tivoli Theatre.

In no particular order, you had guest pianist Michael Chertock brilliantly performing the concerto. You had, of course, the beautiful music of the master himself, and you had a guest conductor who was hoping to impress the audience and the symphony members enough to want him back — permanently.

Conductor Thomas Wilkins is the first of four conductors who are scheduled to lead the CSO this season as part of a two-year search to find a replacement for Robert Bernhardt, who announced plans to step down in 2011 as conductor and music director. He will stay on as conductor emeritus. A new slate of guest performers will perform next season if necessary.

Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor for Piano & Orchestra, op. 23 was featured in the first half of the evening, and Mr. Chertock brought the audience to its feet at its conclusion. The piece demands subtlety and delicacy, as well as physical power — and he delivered each.

First performed in 1875, the concerto was not an instant sensation, but it was quite popular with Thursday night’s audience.

After intermission, with the piano removed from the stage, the CSO performed Symphony No. 5 in E minor, op. 64.

Maestro Wilkins briefly spoke to the audience for the first time and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform in Chattanooga.

“Thank you for being here,” he said. “It’s no fun when you are not.”

At one time a member of the faculty at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he is currently the music director of the Omaha Symphony.

At times, Maestro Wilkins seemed lost in the music, seemingly enjoying it as much as he was leading it. Between movements, he kept his back to the audience, removing his handkerchief to wipe his brow and to allow the last of the previous notes to float away before moving on.

Like the music itself, it was a subtle, but powerful effect.