The Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra (PSO) presents, “Idyllic,” 7:30 p.m. March 15, with a pre-concert talk, 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Allentown.

“Idyllic was the ideal name for this concert as idyll is in the title of Wagner’s ‘Siegfried Idyll’ and Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 6’ is the ‘Pastoral Symphony,’” says Paul Chou, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra Music Director.

“I am also delighted to advise that this concert will be led by guest conductor Kyle Wernke, conductor of several Lehigh Valley-based orchestras and a brilliant musician.”

Says Wernke, “Wagner is a huge influence on me as a composer and, of course, every conductor loves a Beethoven symphony.”

“Siegfried Idyll” (1870) by German composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883) opens the concert. Originally composed for chamber orchestra, the beautiful symphonic poem was a birthday present for his wife, Cosima.

Says Chou, “It certainly shows off a lot of our musicians and it’s a perfect size piece for the PSO.”

Says Concertmaster Simon Maurer. The work seems to transcend time.

“Although it is not as difficult technically as some other works by Wagner, this serene mood and the many slow bows are indeed difficult in their own way, playing and moving together as one in slow motion,” Maurer says.

The next piece is the concert’s major work, “Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’ in F major, Op. 68,” composed in 1808 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Each of the five movements represents scenes the composer encountered while walking in the idyllic Vienna countryside.

Explains Maurer, “Beethoven writes little phrases about nature at the beginning of each section and the music that follows then paints a picture of these indications. Even without knowing the phrases, this music evokes imagery in the listener’s imagination.

“It is very peaceful music and paired with Wagner is sure to please our audience,” Maurer says.

The 6:30 p.m. pre-concert talk will be given by guest conductor Wernke.

Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, “Idyllic,” 7:30 p.m. March 15, with a pre-concert talk, 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown. Tickets: PSO office, 1524 W. Linden St., Allentown; 610-434-7811; https://www.pasinfonia.org/

“Young at Art” is a free expo sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. March 15, Penn State Lehigh Valley, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Upper Saucon Township.

Children can try out instruments, participate in arts activities and attend performances by their peers.

The Community Music School will provide ukulele demonstrations at 10:20 a.m. followed by a student and faculty showcase performance at 11:55 a.m.

Additional participants include the Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and the Young People’s Philharmonic of the Lehigh Valley.

Information: https://www.lvaca.org/YoungAtArt/

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com