“Early” is a relative concept. If, for example, you have an annual arts program that’s been operating for 41 years, then Years #3 and #4 would be “early” in the series, right?

But if the 41-year series is devoted to Early Music — works and composers that go back centuries — well, that’s a different kind of “early.”

In any case, the 41st season of the Connecticut Early Music Festival season, under the direction of the estimable Ian Watson, starts with concerts Friday through Sunday and then June 16-18, taking place at various venues in southeastern Connecticut.

The first weekend’s schedule:

Friday — Beethoven program with violinist Susanna

Olgata, 7:30 p.m., Evans Hall, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, Symphony #4 in B flat major; $40, $15 students, ctearlymusic.org.

Saturday — Easy as Lying: The Music of Shakespeare’s Globe with Seven Times Salt, 5 p.m. Saturday, La Grua Center, 32 Water St., Stonington, $40, $15 students; ctearlymusic.org.

Sunday — Mozart program with hornist Todd Williams, 5 p.m. Evans Hall, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, performance and discussion; $40, $15 students; ct.earlymusic.org.

Don’t be late!