The University Choir and Chamber Orchestra will combine musical talents and styles for a unique, spiritual-themed concert Sunday evening at Esber Recital Hall.

"In the grand scheme of things, we try, as time goes on, to find opportunities to bring together our instrumental and vocal ensembles here at Penn Sate," Anthony Leach, the choir's conductor, said. "This concert is one of those special opportunities."

Devin Burnworth, School of Music publicist, said the concert is an exceptional joint venture between two well-established music groups on campus.

"This is kind of a strange concert because, typically, concerts are headed up by the same conductor and usually have only one musical style," Burnworth said.

"But for this performance, the University Choir is singing three a cappella pieces to open it, then the orchestra will perform, and then after an intermission, the chorus and the strings will put on a piece together," Burnworth added. "I think the variety really makes this show."

The Chamber Orchestra, conducted by graduate student Christian Baldini, will perform a piece by 20th century composer Toru Takemitsu.

Gerardo Edelstein, a Penn State professor for the School of Music, explained that the composition, titled "Requiem for Strings," was written for a deceased friend of Takemitsu, and he said it helps add to the more serious and moving tone of the concert.

"There are not too often these types of collaborations for concerts," Edelstein said. "And the tone of this performance makes it a more spiritual type of concert. With both ensembles performing together, the music becomes much more moving."

Leach said he thinks the joint performance strengthens the experience for both the musicians and for the audience members.

"This concert is a great opportunity for very talented musicians to interact and play together," Leach said. "And it's an opportunity for the audience to watch that connection and see some of the highest quality musical performances here at Penn State."

The University Choir will be singing three Psalms in German before joining the Chamber Orchestra for a concluding performance featuring a Cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Edelstein said he thinks audiences and students involved will enjoy the experience that the combination of Penn State musical talent brings to this concert.

"Each ensemble generally needs to have their own experiences and performances," Edelstein said.

"But in a concert like this, the students get the opportunity to play a repertoire they otherwise wouldn't," she continued. "The combining of choir and orchestra is a different experience, a really wonderful and moving experience that no one usually gets to see. Everyone learns from each other -- how they make music and how we can all make music together.

"It's beautiful and it's special, for everyone."