The West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra will perform two major works by Ludwig van Beethoven when it opens its concert season Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Creative Arts Center .

The performancewhich begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatrewill be the symphonys first concert since Maestro Mitchell Arnold was named director of orchestral studies at WVU . Arnold served as interim director of orchestral studies during the 2007-08 academic year.

The concert will feature faculty pianist Peter Amstutz as soloist on Beethovens Piano Concerto in G major. Other works on the program include Beethovens Symphony No. 5 in C minor andOverture to Alcesteby Christoph Willibald Ritter von Gluck (1714-1787).

Two hundred years ago Beethoven held a concert that included the premiere of his Symphony No. 5 in C minor.

Beethoven performed as soloist when giving the G major concertos premiere at the same concert 200 years ago,Arnold said.It marked his last appearance as a concerto soloist, due largely to his growing deafness.

These are two works exhibiting extreme contrast: the symphony noted for its driving, almost relentless drama, and the concerto exploring a realm of sensitive beauty,Arnold added.

Arnold previously served as acting director of orchestral activities at WVU . Other positions he has held include director of orchestras at Northern Illinois University and assistant director of orchestras at Northwestern University. He has also served on the faculties at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music.

He earned a doctorate in conducting from Northwestern University and has an extensive background in new music.

Amstutz is a professor of piano and coordinator of keyboard studies at WVU . He was a prize winner in the Maryland International Piano Competition and medalist in the Casagrande International Piano Competition in Italy.

He has made frequent tours of Asia, presenting recitals and master classes in major cities of Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Peoples Republic of China. He also served as judge for the National Piano Festival 2001 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Much of Amstutzs musical training occurred at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he earned his masters and doctoral degrees as a student of Leon Fleisher and his bachelors degree with Walter Hautzig. As a Fulbright Scholar, he also studied in Austria for two years with Dieter Weber and Noel Flores at the Vienna Academy of Music.

For concert tickets and information, call the WVU box office at 304-293-SHOW.