Classical music aficionados need look no further than Eisenhower Auditorium on Saturday, when the Nittany Valley Symphony will once again grace the stage for the Highland Fling, a musical tribute to the glory of Scotland.

The NVS will perform three pieces of classical music during the Fling, which is expected to run approximately two hours, including intermission. The first is a short piece entitled "4 Scottish Dances," by Malcolm Arnold, best known for his Oscar-winning musical score to the film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

Following "Dances" will be Max Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy," which will feature the solo violin work of concert master and former Penn State professor, Joanne Zagst Feldman.

Feldman spoke highly of Bruch, complimenting that, unlike many other composers, Bruch "understood the violin very well," and thus crafted "a piece that is both difficult and beautiful to play."

The third piece the NVS will perform is famed 19th century composer Felix Mendelssohn's third symphony, subtitled "Scottish," which Feldman called a "typical, wonderful Mendelssohn symphony."

Though none of the three composers were actually Scottish, explained NVS Executive Director Karen Struble, the link between the three works is that they comprise "a collection of music that has distinctly Scottish qualities to it, either related to or inspired by the beauty of the Scottish highlands."

"It's a rare opportunity to see works that aren't typically performed in this region," said Struble of the Fling. "It's music that makes you feel good."

Music Director Michael Jinbo concurred on this point.

He went on, emphasizing that although classical music lovers will be more than satisfied with the performance, the collection is "easily accessible, likeable music and so even those who are not familiar with classical music will be able to enjoy it."