BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Symphony Orchestra served a cornucopia of talent at their November concert entitled “The Great American Songbook” Saturday night at the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium.

Opening with a medley of catchy tunes written by Cole Porter, the orchestra segued smoothly through “Easter Bonnet,” “No Business Like Show Business,” “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” and of course, “God Bless America.” The contrasting styles and tempos were skillfully navigated by the orchestra under the direction of Maestro Matthew Kraemer.

Richard Rodgers, of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame, was represented by his outstanding “Slaughter on Seventh Avenue.”

At times brash and others sultry, the jazzy piece was performed to perfection, allowing a number of members of the orchestra to strut their stuff in brief solos.

From the signature clarinet portamento and the jazz themes which interplayed through the piece, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” was a glorious delight.

Guest pianist Drew Petersen brought fresh artistry to the familiar melody, playing with intensity and sensitivity.

Petersen’s handling of the complex finger-work was almost as wonderful to watch as his music was to hear. It was no challenge for the talented Petersen and a privilege to hear him play.

Gershwin also was featured in a medley of songs from his opera “Porgy and Bess.”

The well-known strains of “Bess You is My Woman,” “I Got Plenty o’ Nothin,’” “There’s a Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “On My Way” framed the poignant lullaby “Summertime.”

Again, the orchestra coped with the wild rhythmic changes unerringly, and many members had the opportunity to show off solo lines.

Vocalists Kate Amatuzzo and Patrick Thiem took the stage to pay tribute to Meredith Wilson and Frederick Lowe.

Amatuzzo’s rendition of “My White Knight” from “The Music Man” was lovely to hear. Her clear soprano soared through beautiful high notes and returned to rich lower pitches exquisitely.

Thiem’s singing of “If Ever I Would Leave You” from Lowe’s “Camelot” displayed his charming voice to perfection. He imbued the lyrics with a heartfelt angst that was audible even to the back of the auditorium.

Returning to Cole Porter, the orchestra launched into selections from “Kiss Me Kate.”

Romantic “So in Love” morphed into the “Wunderbar” waltz, pounced on “Another Op’nin,’ Another Show,” and sashayed into “Too Darn Hot.” Each segment was well-performed and a pleasure to hear.

Returning to the stage, Thiem sang “On the Street Where You Live” from Lowe’s famous “My Fair Lady.” Earnest longing painted his performance with authenticity, and his presentation was warmly received.

Also from “My Fair Lady” was “I Could Have Danced All Night,” a song well suited to Amatuzzo’s range. The rapturous tone of the song was enhanced by her melodious voice and endearing smile.

The duo joined in a wonderful arrangement of Rodgers’ “Some Enchanted Evening,” the show-stopper from “South Pacific.” The passionate tune displayed the best of each singer’s voice.

Last in the concert was an encore, “Moon River,” in honor of Pittsburgh’s own American master, Henry Mancini.

The gentle waltz from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was a wonderful conclusion to a wonderful evening of musical theater highlights.