The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is ending its 36-week season with a pair of concerts aimed at style and difficulty, its music directors says.

LPO Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto said the orchestra's jazzy side would be showcased through a performance of composer George Gershwin's works, and its musical ability would come through with a difficult performance of Gustav Mahler's Resurrection Symphony, The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Saturday.

Could we have come up with programs that were more different than these? I don't think so, Prieto said. This is a chance to see the range of this orchestra -- and the range of the classical repertoire.

The young conductor said the orchestra's all-Gershwin show, which debuted Friday night, would invoke the talents of the noted U.S. composer as well as the abilities of each orchestra member.

Our Gershwin show is like a 'greatest hits' compilation, Prieto told the newspaper. This is music that every American orchestra has in its blood -- and that most of us have in our heads. You hear Gershwin's melodies in all kinds of settings -- from jazz clubs to commercials -- but this is a chance to hear Gershwin whole.

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