The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra presents the Youth Orchestra and the Junior Strings in a concert to feature The Great Escape by Elmer Bernstein, Uptown Funk, Free Air on G, Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, and more, according to a recent press release.

The local community is invited to attend a free youth concert featuring a diverse range of musical selections. The concert will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Community Arts Center.

The orchestra’s program will include the dynamic Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture by Mikhail Glinka, the emotive Redwoods by Ric Flauding, the thrilling The Great Escape by Elmer Bernstein as arranged by Charles Sayre, and the majestic Finlandia by Jean Sibelius.

The Strings’ program will include Free Air on G by Johann Sebastian Bach, The Wellerman, a traditional whaling song arranged by Kate Agiortitis, and Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars as arranged by Michael Story. The two groups will join in performing Sleepers Wake, a transcription of Bach’s original work by Eugene Ormandy.

The youth orchestra and junior strings are led by Dr. David Tedford and Nelson Rodriguez-Parada, respectively, who have been working with the young musicians for weeks to perfect the pieces, according to the release.

“This concert is a celebration of the WSO’s commitment to provide quality educational programs to the community. The concert will showcase the talents of our young musicians, their dedication to musical excellence and is sure to leave the audience captivated and inspired,” the release said. “Audience members can expect to hear a variety of musical styles and genres, from classical to contemporary pop.”

“We are thrilled to present this concert to the community,” said David Tedford, according to the release. “Our young musicians have worked hard to prepare for this performance, and we can’t wait to share their talents with the world.”

Admission to the concert is free, but donations are appreciated to support the youth music program. Seating is first-come, first-served — audience members are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they get a good seat.

This concert is made possible in part by major sponsors Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers and Wegman’s, in addition to support from the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, the Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, A State Agency.

For more information about the concert, please contact WSO office at 570-322-0227 or email info@williamsportsymphony.org.