Timothy Deighton believes the viola is an often underrepresented instrument.

But tonight, he aims to put the spotlight on it with the Penn State Viola Ensemble, which he began in 1999.

"The viola is not the violin or the cello," said Deighton, an associate professor of viola who directs the ensemble.

"It doesn't have a history of solo works written for it. I think it's important to build up a repertoire for the viola. It's also important to support the music of our time and to expose it to students," he added.

The Penn State Viola Ensemble will perform a lunchtime concert at 12:10 p.m. today in the Palmer Museum of Art. Deighton said today's program will consist of a combination of formats, including solos, a quartet and the full ensemble.

Deighton said the ensemble gives viola students an opportunity to connect with each other.

"They're dealing with many of the same musical challenges," he said. "It's a really good learning situation."

He added students can also learn how to take leadership roles when working in a smaller ensemble.

"Usually in an orchestra, the viola is not one of the most important parts," he said. "With the ensemble, they play larger parts."

Katie Kauffman (senior-music and history) is a member of the ensemble and noted the benefits of taking part in the group.

"It's helping us learn how to lead our sections and learn how to take charge of the music in a different kind of way," she said.

Deighton said the program for today's performance mostly includes works by American composers, which attempts to link to the setting -- the Palmer Museum of Art.

Dana Kletchka, curator of education for the Palmer, said this idea of linking the arts and music is a goal of the Art of Music events, which have been held at the Palmer for several semesters. The Palmer is primarily an American art institution, she said.

"We do try to schedule groups that have some sort of thematic connection, whether it's a special exhibition or a permanent collection," she said.

Kauffman said she played previously in the art museum with the Baroque Ensemble.

"I think it's great because it's integrating the two arts," she said. "Arts are kind of all interdependent on each other. I'm really excited about it."

Kletchka said the events have been successful and are an enjoyable way to spend a lunch hour. She said most performances last about 45 minutes.

"It's such a nice break in the day, and they're always so good," she said. "There are so many talented people here. It gets so hard when you have so many things offered on campus, but I do hope that people come check it out."