Experience classic favorites and more with the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Creative Arts Center.

Led by Mitchell Arnold, director of orchestral activities, WVUSO will perform “A Night on Bald Mountain” and selections from “The Nutcracker,” among other Russian pieces.

The concert kicks off with “Rainbow Body” by Christopher Theofanidis, a moving work both contemplatively nuanced and energetic.

“The sheer brilliance of the ending is remarkable,” Arnold said. “Theofanidis creates a cathedral of sound that envelops the listener.”

Joining the orchestra is Erin Ellis, assistant professor of cello. The performance marks her concerto debut at WVU. She will perform Joseph Haydn’s Concerto in D Major.

“Haydn composed this concerto for a cellist with impressive facility and artistry.  We are fortunate to collaborate on this piece with such a talented soloist as Dr. Ellis,” Arnold said.

The concert closes with two Russian favorites. 

“We perform Mussorgsky’s original version of ‘A Night on Bald Mountain’ that is considerably more raw and sharp-edged than the one our audiences know so well,” Arnold said, adding that the concert closes with selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet which music audiences typically only hear in recording. “This includes the ‘Pas de Deux,’ a dance for the Prince and Sugar-Plum Fairy – which I hold as some of the most sensuously passionate music ever composed.”

As with all concerts from WVU’s premiere ensembles, WVU students receive free admission with their student IDs.

For tickets, contact the WVU Box Office at 304-293-SHOW or visit Ticketmaster.