The Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Gerardo Edelstein, will perform its end of the year concert tonight at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Edelstein will conduct Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 5."

"It's powerful, challenging and very difficult for the students," he said of the about 70-minute symphony.

"I've chosen this piece because of the challenges it presents. It's a masterpiece."

The Philharmonic Orchestra is made up of about 90 members, most of whom are music majors, but that is not a requirement for the group.

"It's very competitive, but everyone has a chance," Edelstein said.

His graduate assistant, Francisco Varela (graduate-conducting), will direct the orchestra's performance of "Tragic Overture" by Johannes Brahms.

"It's kind of dark, intense and tragic, as the title implies," Valera said.

Varela said the concert represents the final accomplishment of the semester.

"Everyone should come see [the concert]," Varela said.

"It really was a major challenge and [the students] did a great job with it."

Edelstein agreed, saying the group members committed themselves to the performance of the difficult pieces.

"It's a culmination of a year of hard work for everyone," Edelstein said.