PORTLAND – The Portland Symphony Orchestra continues its Sunday classical series at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12, with guest conductor Leslie B. Dunner.

The program features the music of Mozart, Schubert and Adolphus Hailstork. As part of the Sunday classical concert tradition, at 1:15 p.m. children ages 9 and up can participate in “Exploring the Orchestra” where they learn about each family of instruments through a variety of activities. During this time, adults are invited to the rehearsal hall to enjoy a concert conversation led by Dunner.

Dunner is in his second season as music director and principal conductor of The Joffrey Ballet in New York City, where he leads a full season of performances in Chicago as well as three performances in The Netherlands. His current season is also highlighted by debut performances with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and The South African Ballet Theatre, as well as return engagements with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Sinfonietta.

He is distinguished by the breadth of his repertoire as well as his electrifying and critically lauded performances.

The afternoon’s program will opens with Mozart’s “Overture to The Magic Flute.” Ever the procrastinator, Mozart put off composition of the overture, completing it two days before opening night. “The Magic Flute” became Mozart’s greatest operatic success, and its overture encapsulates his playful genius.

Adolphus Hailstork’s Symphony No. 1, composed in 1988, uses common classical forms blended with African American musical traditions. Buoyant and highly passionate, Hailstork’s work has been compared with such modern romantics as Samuel Barber and Ralph Vaughn Williams.

The program closes with Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major, “The Great,” which established Schubert as a master of the symphonic form and has been called the pinnacle of his orchestral achievements.

The Sunday classical series offers a 90-minute concert in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. This season’s final Sunday classical concert will take place April 23, conducted by Toshiyuki Shimada.

The next Portland Symphony performance is the Tuesday classical concert March 28 at 7:30 p.m. featuring guest conductor Peter Rubardt and soloist Jon Nakamatsu on piano, with works by Harbison, Grieg and Rachmaninoff.

Tickets can be purchased through PortTix, (207) 842-0800, or at the PortTix box office, 20 Myrtle St., between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets for the Sunday classical concerts range from $15 to $46 for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, children and groups. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.porttix.com.

For more info about the PSO, go online to www.portland-symphony.com.