Auburn Symphony Orchestra performs Great Romantics – showcasing the works of Chausson, Berlioz and Liszt – Feb. 18-19 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main, Auburn.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 19.

The orchestra welcomes back pianist Craig Sheppard for Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 – an incredible combination of a great composer of the Romantic era and a soloist up to the task of doing him justice. Originally, Franz Liszt enjoyed a reputation as an amazing piano virtuoso, and was considered by many of his contemporaries as the greatest pianist of all time.

Sheppard’s career has been extensive and brilliant, “undoubted virtuosity and lyrical invention of the highest order.” A professor of piano at the University of Washington for nearly 20 years, he travels worldwide to teach and perform, including 11 trips to East Asia since 2002.

This is Craig’s fourth appearance with the Auburn Symphony Orchestra, previously having performed works by Rachmaninov, Beethoven and Chopin.

Prior to the performance, an extended pre-concert lecture will be presented by Conductor Stewart Kershaw and KUOW host Dave Beck, focusing on the story behind the composers and their music. The lectures begin 45 minutes before each performance.

The concerts are sponsored in large part by the City of Auburn.

Founded in 1996, the fully-professional ASO is led Kershaw, an internationally-renowned conductor and recently retired music director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra.

Reserved seats are $34 adults, $27 seniors and $10 students. To order, call 253-887-7777 or purchase online at www.auburnsymphony.org.