Butler County Symphony Orchestra performances seek to educate and entertain, and the group is presenting a chance to learn from a composer at the next concert.

The performance of “Voices of Nature” will feature three pieces by composers past and present.

According to John Furman, executive director of the symphony, composer Reinaldo Moya will be giving a pre-show lecture on his piece “Dark Earth: Anthropogenic Amazon.”

“(Moya) will be here in person. This is the second time this piece has been played ever,” he said. “It premiered in Indianapolis, and we’re really excited to have him here with us.”

“Dark Earth” reflects the human influence on the Amazon rainforest, featuring music styles from regions surrounding it, Furman said.

The other pieces in the concert are Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Concerto for Oboe and Strings in A Minor,” with guest artist Hilary Philipp on the oboe and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 (Pastorale).”

Philipp is a principal oboist and instructor at Allegheny College and Mercyhurst University, according to Furman.

He added that county residents should show their appreciation for the symphony by attending the concert.

“Number one, I want people to know that this is a professional orchestra; you may think it’s just community, and it is that as well, but it’s time people realize this is a high-quality regional orchestra,” he said.

Furman described the musicians as “fabulous” and their play as “outstanding.”