ORONO – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Maine Center for the Arts combines the art of making music with the music of making art. On display at the Maine Center for the Arts will be “Music Revelations,” a juried art exhibit of works created in response to Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

The concert program features Mussorgsky’s masterpiece as well as Johann Strauss’ “An Artist’s Life,” Mozart’s “Symphony No. 32” and Maine composer, Robert Rohe’s “Elegy 911-01.”

“Creating visual art in response to a musical experience is the reverse of Mussorgsky’s process when he composed “Pictures at an Exhibition,” explained Catherine LeClair, marketing director for the BSO.

“We were excited about how this marriage of art forms would inspire audience members to respond to what they are hearing in a new way,” she said.

Jurors Bruce Brown, curator of the Center for Maine Contemporary Art; Chris Crosman, director of the Farnsworth Art Musuem and Wyeth Center; and Wally Mason, director of the University of Maine Museum of Art, will evaluate the show and choose a winner based upon the artist’s skill and interpretation of the music.

After the performance of “Pictures at an Exhibition,” the prize-winning artist will be announced and recognized onstage by the symphony, the three jurors and a representative from the art show sponsor, UnitedKingfield Bank.

Mozart’s “Symphony No. 32” will open the concert, followed by Robert Rohe’s “Elegy 911-01.”

Rohe, principal bassist with the Bangor Symphony, composed the piece in response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The piece has been performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brown University Orchestra and The Symphony of Southeast Texas.

Rohe said of his piece, “The muted drum is a voice of doom. Bells ring out for departed spirits. …. The string quartet speaks in quiet despair. …. In the final moment, bells ring with hope.”

“In light of recent events and the long term effect that Sept. 11, 2001, is having on the world and nation, we feel it is a timely piece,” said BSO Executive Director, Susan Jonason. “The symphony is honored to perform a work by a beloved member of the orchestra.”

To end the first half of the concert, and reinforce the theme of the concert, Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li programmed Johann Strauss’ “An Artist’s Life,” one of his many popular waltzes.

The snow date for the concert is 7 p.m. Monday, March 10. For tickets and information, call 942-5555 or (800) 639-3221, or visit the Web at www.bangorsymphony.com.