Mei-Ann Chen will lead the North Carolina Symphony in a 2012-2013 classical season orchestra highlight of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60," plus Gioacchino Rossini's "Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers" and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K.271, "Jeunehomme," with pianist Lise de la Salle.

The performances take place on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m., in Lee Auditorium in Southern Pines.

Scholar Dr. Richard E. Rodda relates that Beethoven's "Symphony No. 4" was commissioned by Hungarian Count Franz von Oppersdorf, "a moneyed aristocrat who placed such importance on his household musical establishment that he would not hire a servant unable to play an instrument."

Beethoven finished the new B-flat Symphony in October 1806.

One of the most dynamic young conductors in America, Mei-Ann Chen has recently completed her first season as music director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

During this time, the impact of her energy, enthusiasm and high level of music-making has already been felt by the orchestra, audiences and entire community. In July 2011, she also assumed the music directorship of the Chicago Sinfonietta, only the second person in the orchestra's history to hold this position.

French pianist Lise de la Salle has emerged as one of the most acclaimed artists of her generation, praised for inspired performances of virtuosity and depth.

The Washington Post wrote, "For much of the concert, the audience had to remember to breathe ... the exhilaration didn't let up for a second until her hands came off the keyboard."

Lise de la Salle began playing piano at the age of 4 and gave her first concert at 9 in a live broadcast on Radio-France.

In addition to stellar performances, North Carolina Symphony concertgoers can enjoy pre-concert talks and "Meet the Artists," which feature interactive conversations with guest artists and select orchestra members, at many Symphony events.

For the Southern Pines performance on Jan. 24, Timothy Haley, of Sandhills Community College, will conduct a pre-concert talk in the Pinecrest High School band room at 7 p.m.

There will be "Ask A Musician" opportunities in front of the stage at intermission in Southern Pines.

Tickets to the Southern Pines Series performance on Jan. 24 range from $18 to $42. Student tickets are $10.

To purchase tickets, visit the North Carolina Symphony website at www.ncsymphony.org or call the Symphony box office at (919) 733-2750 or toll free (877) 627-6724.

Lee Auditorium is located at 100 Pinecrest School Road, on the campus of Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines.

Partners for the 2012-13 Southern Pines Series include Pinehurst Auto Mall, Quail Haven Village and St. Joseph of the Pines.

Statewide partnership and support is provided by Progress Energy.