The world premiere of Stephen E. Gerber's "Concerto for Two Horns" will highlight tonight's French horn recital.

The free recital will take place at 8 p.m. in the School of Music's Esber Recital Hall.

Lisa Bontrager, associate professor of music will perform three other pieces, plus the "Gerber Concerto."

Pianist Kathy Cinatl, soprano and associate professor of music Susan Boardman and French hornist John Gerber will accompany Bontrager on stage, according to a School of Music press release.

"The 'Gerber Concerto' is a big piece, almost 30 minutes. It is very nice to listen to and well written. It uses the horn really well," Bontrager said. "It is playable, yet challenging."

The concerto was originally written for two horns and an orchestra. Tonight's premiere will have two horns and the piano.

The piece was written for John Gerber, whose brother Stephen was commissioned to write the piece by Henry K. McConnon, a State College arts patron.

"I'm thrilled that she (Bontrager) decided to program the concerto. I hope we get the opportunity to publicly play this piece again with an orchestra," John Gerber said.

This particular concerto took about four years to compose, with the first and third movements written quickly.

The second movement is a tribute to the Gerbers' late father, and took more time to compose, John Gerber said.

"The second movement is particularly beautiful, very romantic," Bontrager said.

Both composer Stephen Gerber and commissioner McConnon are expected to be in attendance. This recital is part of Bontrager's annual solo French horn recital.This is also John Gerber's first performance on campus. Following the recital, the School of Music will hold a reception in honor of the commission of the concerto.