The Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra is performing this year’s first concert in Markel Auditorium, Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m.
The orchestra will be playing Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 –– the “New World Symphony” –– Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor, and Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture.” Sophomore Helen Sayers, who plays second violin, said that she particularly enjoys these works, and believes that the orchestra is more than ready to perform.
“I am very excited for this concert,” she said. “It’s a good program, and we do play it very well.”
Senior Kokko Chou is the concertmaster for Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.”
“It’s just a lot of fun to play,” he said, “and it never gets old.”
Chou said that the Mozart symphony is not only fun, but also a great learning experience for the orchestra.
“There’s just nowhere to hide in Mozart, and it’s great for intonation and for chamber playing,” he said.
Even though the Brahms overture is a new addition to the program, the orchestra has learned it quickly.
“[Brahms’ Overture] was added two weeks ago,” Kokko said. “We’ve only been working on it for three or four rehearsals, but it’s coming along quite nicely.”
Associate Professor of Music James Holleman, who conducts the Hillsdale College Symphony, explained why he added a new piece to the program.
“Originally we were just doing the Mozart and the Dvorak, and because things were going well early, I added the Brahms,” Holleman said. “When we dedicated [the Howard Music Building] in the spring of 2003, we dedicated it by performing the Brahms’ ‘Academic Festival Overture,’ so I thought: ‘why not add it to this concert?’”
Holleman said students are enthusiastic about the concert.
“The depth of skills is at an all-time high,” Holleman said of the orchestra. “We had a real strong orchestra return from last year, and some very strong new members. The young ones who have stepped into those leadership roles are doing really well, and it seems like the word is getting out, because we’re already sold out for Saturday. I think this is the soonest we’ve ever been sold out for an orchestra concert.”
In light of the concert’s popularity, Holleman is extending a special invitation to attend an open rehearsal from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in Markel Auditorium, although the orchestra is always willing to share their music on any practice day.
“Rehearsals are always open to parents and guests,” Holleman said.
fliu@hillsdale.edu
