Brian Groner likes music.

Groner, the director of NIU’s Philharmonic Orchestra, will present a concert at 8 p.m. today at the Music Building’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

The concert, “Dialectics for Orchestra,” was written by NIU music professor Tim Blickhan.

“It is a great opportunity to hear symphonic music live, the way it is most powerfully experienced,” Groner said. “The thrill of live music is something really important. It allows the music to be felt and not just heard.”

Groner said he thought the interaction with performing musicians helps the audience understand the music better. He also said NIU concerts enhance the culture at NIU.

“The symphony orchestra is one of the greatest developments of Western civilization,” Groner said. “To be exposed to it is to more thoroughly understand who we are. At the same time, it gives us important insights into the minds and thoughts of the composers whose music we share with the audience.”

Groner said he thought the concert can be a learning experience for many students.

“It teaches us in a wonderfully abstract way what it is to be human,” Groner said. “It gives us extraordinary insights into the minds of great creative people.”

Lynn Slater, coordinator of admissions in the music department, agreed.

“The Philharmonic Orchestra plays beautifully,” Slater said. “The concert is a wonderful experience for students if they can attend.”