What's better than one symphony orchestra? Two symphony orchestras, of course.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra will participate in two concerts. It will hold its own concert tonight at Schwab Auditorium. The Chamber Orchestra will join Penn State's Philharmonic Orchestra in a Side by Side Concert tomorrow in Esber Recital Hall.

In the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra's concert Andres Cárdenes will conduct pieces by Wagner, Handel, Saint-Saens and Mozart. Tomorrow night will feature the Pittsburgh orchestra's members alongside Penn State students. Gerardo Edelstein, conductor of the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, said this is the first time an event like this has been held at Penn State.

"This is something new," Edelstein said. "It has just been arranged this year. We are very excited. The Pittsburgh Symphony was the first place interested in doing a residency here and giving master classes. Hopefully, it will become a yearly thing."

Edelstein said the Side by Side Concert has two parts, and he will be conducting the first portion.

"The two orchestras are playing the first half with strings from the Philharmonic and the Pittsburgh Symphony," Edelstein said. "They will play two selections, one by Russell Peck and another by David Diamond. Then, the graduate string group will play a piece by Mendelssohn."

After the first half, there will be an intermission, followed by both orchestras coming together again, this time including the winds and brass from the Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra. The Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra's resident conductor, Lawrence Loh, will conduct this portion. They will play Mozart's Symphony No. 40.

"This year was Mozart's 250th birthday," Edelstein said. "This piece has been played everywhere this year. That is probably one reason the Pittsburgh Symphony suggested this piece."

Justin Dougherty (junior-cello performance) is one of the members of the Penn State Philharmonic who will be participating in the Side by Side Concert

"We're having rehearsal from 10 [a.m.] to [noon] on Friday morning," he said. "They're a professional orchestra, and the piece they're playing is probably one of the most played symphonies. They've probably played it a hundred times themselves, and we're practicing it, too. It's just to get together so we're on the same page."

While this is an amazing experience, Dougherty said there is pressure when playing with the Pittsburgh Symphony members.

"It gives us a chance to play with amazing musicians," Dougherty said. "The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is one of the best orchestras. It's a great way to make connections and just playing with them. They're expecting perfection, and we have to be up to their standard."

Michael Bielski, the senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Pittsburgh Symphony, said these two concerts are the culmination of a weeklong residency at Penn State.

Marvin Hamlisch, the principal pops conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony, said he has been busy since the minute he arrived at Penn State. Hamlisch will be holding discussions with students, as well as speaking on radio and television shows.

Bielski said he thinks the partnership between the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Penn State is a perfect match.

"Penn State is very interested," he said. "There are many alumni and many students. Penn State is looking for a partner in the western part of the state as part of their mission."

As a part of the program, Bielski said that in the future, there is the possibility of an annual Penn State night at the symphony as a benefit for alumni and for prospective students, as well as bringing Penn State ensembles to play in Heinz Hall in the fall.

Edelstein said he feels this will be a wonderful experience for the students in the Philharmonic Orchestra.

"I think it's a fantastic experience to play side by side with all the excellent players," Edelstein said.