Grant Llewellyn will lead the North Carolina Symphony in a 2012-2013 classical season orchestra highlight of Edward Elgar's Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, "Enigma," Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25, featuring pianist Ingrid Fliter, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K.385, "Haffner."

The performance takes place on Thursday, March 14, at 8 p.m., in Lee Auditorium in Southern Pines.

Scholar Dr. Richard E. Rodda points out that "throughout his life, Edward Elgar had a penchant for dispensing startling or mystifying remarks just to see what response they would elicit... Turning that trait upon his music, he added the sobriquet "Enigma" above the theme of this splendid set of orchestral variations."

Mozart's Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K.385, "Haffner," was named after the patron of the composition, Salzburg, Austria, mayor Siegmund Haffner, who commissioned the work to mark his elevation to the nobility.

Mendelssohn wrote his Piano Concerto No. 1 at the age of 20, and unveiled the piece on Oct. 17, 1830, to enthusiastic audiences.

Rodda says that the concert "became grouped with the 'Midsummer Night's Dream Overture' as Mendelssohn's most celebrated successes during his lifetime."

Pianist Ingrid Fliter, who will perform the piano concerto with the North Carolina Symphony, has won the admiration and hearts of audiences around the world for her passionate yet thoughtful and sensitive music making played with an effortless technique.

Tickets to the Southern Pines Series performance on March 14 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, call the Kenan Auditorium Box Office at (910) 962-3500, or visit the Kenan Box Office on the night of the show.

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 March 14, 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.

Partners for the 2012-2013 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.