The Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra is only the second American orchestra ever to be invited to perform at the prestigious Concert Series of University Orchestras in Spain.

To raise funds for the trip, Penn State School of Music students are holding an all-Mozart concert at 8 tonight at the University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes St.

"We need to raise money for the trip to Spain in March," Katie O'Brien (graduate-orchestral conducting), the conductor of the concert, said. "It will be incredible. Performing there is such a great opportunity."

Molly McCallum (graduate-performance), the concertmistress, said the trip will be an amazing experience and is a good way to recognize all the work members have put into the orchestra.

"I'm very excited -- it's a remarkable opportunity," she said. "It's a great reward for all the hard work we've done this semester."

The fundraising concert will be completely comprised of songs composed by Mozart.

"The reason for an all-Mozart concert is that it is the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth," O'Brien said. "In addition, I think it is a good idea because it will expose students to a sound that not many are familiar with."

Although it will be challenging, McCallum said, it is a fantastic idea to have the Mozart concert because he is an important composer.

"I'm a little nervous because Mozart is so hard to play correctly," she said. "People think Mozart is easy to play because it is easy to listen to, but in reality it is very technical."

While preparing for the concert, O'Brien said she experienced many ups and downs as the conductor.

"I pretty much organized the concert, doing everything from finding a good time for everyone to rehearse to picking the repertoire," O'Brien said. "It was really stressful, but such a great experience and I really learned a lot."

O'Brien also said it was an interesting challenge to be conducting at such a young age.

"It's cool and overwhelming at the same time," she said. "I'm conducting my peers, and it's very nerve-wracking making decisions and directing people my same age -- but really it is wonderful."

O'Brien said one of her favorite parts of the concert is the vocalist piece, "Exultate, jubilate," a solo performed by soprano Sasha Piastro (graduate-voice performance and pedagogy).

"Mozart was pure genius," Piastro said. "The "Exultate, jubilate" is one of his greatest compositions for soprano and orchestra. It is a technically challenging piece, but very fun to sing."

Piastro will not be traveling to Spain with the orchestra, but said she is happy to help in the fundraiser.

"I was honored to be asked to sing at this concert," she said. "I'm glad to help the orchestra raise money for their trip. This concert will showcase some of the fabulous talent that comes out of the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra."

McCallum said she would like for the talent of the orchestra to be appreciated.

"Students should attend because it is something different, but also because we really need to recognize and promote the arts here at Penn State," McCallum said.

O'Brien said students should come to the concert to experience Mozart's music.

"Students should attend, especially if they haven't been exposed to any Mozart before," she said. "All the music is really light-hearted and fun, and more importantly, it's free -- but donations are accepted."