More than 2,000 students from 22 schools enthusiastically welcomed the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) to two performances at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

The special presentation, "Young People's Concerts -- Musical Superheroes," was sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation.

Linda Irwin, director of school projects for the Foundation, said, "It is an honor for the Foundation to bring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center to familiarize the students with such a high caliber of music. This will enable them to have a greater appreciation for music and the arts."

The concerts were attended not only by students from Greeneville and Greene County schools, but by students from schools in Washington, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier and Carter counties.

According to Greeneville native Jennifer Barnett, the KSO's Director of Education and Community Partnership, "Musical Superheroes is a unique educational program, designed for students in grades three through five. The concert explored the "super-powers: (contributions) of great composers throughout history including: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Stravinsky.

Pieces featured included Simetana's "Dance of the Comedians" from The Bartered Bride; Haydn's Surprise Symphony; Charles Ives' Country Band March; Mozart's Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra; the famous Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven; Debussy's Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun; a contemporary piece, Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman by living composer Joan Tower; "Infernal Dance" from Stravinsky's well known Firebird and John Williams' Theme from Superman.

The concert was conducted by KSO's Resident Conductor James Fellenbaum.

Barnett said, "It makes me proud to be a part of bringing the symphony to Greeneville. I didn't have such an opportunity when I was in school here. It's great to be able to offer this opportunity to young people who might not otherwise get the chance to see such a performance.

"I think these concerts are so assessable - it gives them a great base to build on," Barnett said.

Irwin, of the Niswonger Foundation, welcomed the 9:30 a.m. group of students, while Scott M. Niswonger, the Greeneville businessman and philanthropist, welcomed the students to the 11 a.m. performance.

After the concert, Niswonger said, "It is very satisfying to see how much the students appreciated the symphony's performance."