PORTLAND – Guest conductor Daniel Meyer will lead the Portland Symphony Orchestra later this month in “Celtic Color and Canadian Clippers,” a program rooted in European tradition, but with a whimsical New World flair.

Also performing will be Le Vent du Nord, an award-winning Quebecois folk ensemble of four musicians focused on bringing traditional music to a modern audience.

The PSO will perform Irish medleys and Scottish tunes in the first half of the concert. In the second half, Le Vent du Nord will join the symphony for traditional Quebecois songs and dances with foot-stomping rhythms.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at Merrill Auditorium.

Meyer is music director of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and resident conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. He opened the PSO 2006-07 season in October 2006. This will be his second visit to the PSO podium.

Le Vent du Nord combines eight musical instruments, four voices in harmony, two generations of musicians and a master of step dance to create a show comprised of joyous Celtic-inflected tunes.

Adding to the Canadian flavor of the evening, ticketholders for each Le Vent du Nord performance will be entered to win a three-night stay in Quebec City with free access to museums and a transportation allowance – in honor of the 400th anniversary of Quebec City to be celebrated in 2008.

Tickets for PSO performances may be purchased through PortTix, by calling 842-0800, or at the PortTix box office at 20 Myrtle St., Portland, between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.porttix.com.