RALEIGH, N.C. — The

North Carolina Symphony's

new music director raises his baton for the first time in Raleigh.

The group spent 41 months before finding Grant Llewellyn to take over. Llewellyn said he is rarely nervous, but this could be an exception.

"I suppose with the investment that's gone into the whole relationship and the expectations, which are enormous and almost impossible to deliver fully," he said. "There will be an added extra anxiety."

Once a professional soccer player, Llewellyn now spends his time interpreting great clasical works. He said he loves conducting.

"That's where you have a major responsibility as sort of a musical policeman as well as an inspirer and motivator," he said. "The players really do look to you for that, and you have a fundamental responsibility to be clear and cool and calm."

Thursday night's event was sold out. A few tickets remain for Saturday night's performance.