For the first time ever, the Iowa State University Symphony Orchestra and the Central Iowa Symphony will combine forces to present two orchestral masterpieces in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

The combined orchestras, 120 members strong, will be playing Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and Gustav Mahler’s “First Symphony,” both of them “gargantuan pieces,” said Mark Laycock, director of orchestral activities at Iowa State.

Laycock added that the performance would be a treat for everyone there, including the performers. Many CIS members are professors at Iowa State, and many students are sitting side by side with their instructors, he said.

“`Triple Concerto’ is unique compared to other concertos that Beethoven had written because while most concertos only feature one soloist, `Triple Concerto’ features three,” Laycock said.

Beethoven wrote the piece at a time when he was experimenting with larger forms, Laycock said. “He was really coming into his maturity as a composer,” he said.

In addition to the ISU Symphony Orchestra and the CIS, the program will also feature three members of the Ames Piano Quartet as the three soloists for Beethoven – William David, piano, Jonathan Sturm, violin, and George Work on cello.

Laycock said the three soloists have the opportunity to display a full range of virtuosic material on their own, as well as combinations with the orchestras.

Students taking Music 440 might recognize “First Symphony” by Mahler. The class is devoted to studying the early symphonies of Mahler, which are known for their complexity and length.

Mahler said that he wanted to create a universe with this piece

“It ranges from very intimate, personal moments to massive outbursts of sound,” he added.

Matthew Cameron, junior in music, said the Mahler piece is an exciting piece of work. He said the ending of the third movement is a particularly interesting example in which the symphony dies down from a funeral march, and then, “out of nowhere,” the orchestra comes crashing back in.

“It’s just absolutely frightening the way everything comes together,” he said.

There will be a pre-concert lecture in the Pride Lounge in the Memorial Union. Laycock will be reviewing both pieces and giving hints on what to listen for and characteristics of both composers.