The classical music calendar includes the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra “Viva La France” concert at Moravian University, Bethlehem, and the Kutztown University Choir in concert at the university in Kutztown.

The Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra presents “Viva La France,” 3 p.m. with a 2 p.m. pre-concert talk, March 8, Foy Concert Hall, Moravian University, Bethlehem.

“I’m honored to be joining the Pennsylvania Sinfonia for this fantastic program of French music,” says Guest Conductor Michael Avagliano, adding, “It’s a wonderful way to look forward to spring, getting to know some buoyant music by great composers.”

“Francis Poulenc is a composer that audiences might not know well,” Avagliano says.

“I’m sure, though, after hearing his ‘Sinfonietta,’ they’ll want to know more. The piece has an incredible feel of humor and personality that draws you in and leaves a smile on your face,” says Avagliano.

The four-movement work was commissioned by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) to celebrate the first anniversary of its radio service, BBC Third Programme. Reportedly, the piece was well-received by a young audience that enjoyed its “unsophisticated freshness and charm.”

Alto saxophonist Kirk O’Riordan is the featured soloist in Jacques Ibert’s two-movement “Concertino da camera for alto saxophone and orchestra.” Composed in 1935, with a lively and technically-challenging first movement, the second movement is lyrical, containing a short cadenza and very dynamic ending.

Says Avagliano, “Having the opportunity to work with Kirk O’Riordan is something I’m looking forward to.

“It’s not often that the saxophone gets to be heard in an orchestral setting and the Ibert concerto is the perfect introduction for audiences to appreciate Kirk’s talent and virtuosity,” Avagliano says.

The concert closes with Georges Bizet’s “Symphony No. 1 in C major,” composed at age 17 while a student at the Paris Conservatory under the tutelage of famed composer and professor Charles Gounod. The four-movement work is characterized as light, joyful and energetic with a beautiful short oboe passage in the second movement performed by Nobuo Kitagawa.

“The intimate nature of hearing a chamber orchestra is an experience that allows you to appreciate every musician on the stage,” says Avagliano, adding, “It’s something you don’t want to miss.”

Avagliano is Music Director of the New Jersey-based Somerset Symphony Orchestra, Summit Symphony Orchestra and August Symphony, was a guest conductor for the Allentown Symphony Pops, Cincinnati Pops and maintains an active performance schedule as violinist and violist.

Avagliano, a doctoral candidate for Orchestral Conducting at Rutgers University, has degrees from Indiana University and Rutgers University.

O’Riordan, saxophonist, composer, conductor and educator, is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Lafayette College. He has performed at the World Saxophone Congress, U.S. Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, national meetings of the North American Saxophone Alliance and is a frequent recitalist with pianist Holly Roadfeldt.

He has a Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University, Certificate of Performance in Saxophone from Northwestern University and three Masters of Music in composition, saxophone performance and conducting.

Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, “Viva La France,” 3 p.m.; 2 p.m. pre-concert talk, March 8, Foy Concert Hall, Moravian University, 342 Main St., Bethlehem. Tickets: PSO office, 1524 W. Linden St., Allentown; 610-434-7811; https://www.pa.sinfonia.org

“A concert is the culmination of a journey that most people never witness: the refining of vowels, the shaping of phrases, the conversations about meaning and intention,” says Derrick Thompson, Kutztown University Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies.

“The students’ commitment to making great choral music is what transforms notes on a page into something powerful and meaningful,” Thompson says.

The Kutztown University Choir is in concert, 7:30 p.m. March 11, Schaeffer Auditorium, Kutztown University, Kutztown.

The University Choir opens the concert with five selections: “Forever Music” by Mark Hayes and Susan Bentall Boersma, an inspiring ballad celebrating the healing and uplifting power of music which also encourages audience participation; “Ritmo,” an energetic Latin-style piece with Spanish lyrics, handclaps, finger snaps, stomping and body percussion; “Sure on a Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen; “We Remember Them” by Susan LaBarr, and “Music Down in My Soul” by Moses Hogan.

Next is the Vocal Ensemble in “Five Hebrew Love Songs” by Eric Whitacre, which are of a more personal nature, reflecting a journey of love and cultural exchange between the composer and his wife.

“This work is conducted by one of our senior music education students who has served as section leader of the bass voices,” says Thompson.

Two additional selections include “Dies Irae,” based on a 13th century chant, and “Witness,” one of the most popular of traditional spirituals.

The Troubadours, comprising tenor and bass voices, sing “Wait with Me” by Coleman Peterson, a ballad about friendship, followed by the popular contemporary work by Rosephayne Powell, “The Word Was God,” a fascinating presentation of the various phases in the biblical creation of the world.

The concert concludes with the soprano and alto voice ensemble Circa. “Muie Rendera” is an arrangement of two Brazilian folk tunes in baiao dance style, “Eternal Rebel” commemorates 100 years of Irish Independence, and an arrangement of Dolly Parton’s song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring solo soprano and soprano recorder.

Says Thompson, “There is nothing quite like the experience of live choral singing. We hope families, students, alumni, and friends will join us.”

Thompson has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Lynchburg College, Master of Arts in music from Morgan State University, Master of Music in choral conducting from Messiah University, and Master of Education in Music and Music Education and Doctor of Education in the College Teaching of Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Kutztown University Choir concert, 7:30 p.m. March 11, Schaeffer Auditorium, Kutztown University, 15200 Kutztown Road, Kutztown. Free. Ticket not required.

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com