This past weekend, the Wooster Symphony Orchestra, directed by Professor of Music Jeffrey Lindberg performed in the Gault Recital Hall. I am rather skeptical of most orchestra performances, but I was blown away and truly moved by the phenomenal performance of the company.
Anna Lemler ’10, beautifully performed Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor. The piece is considered to be the premiere cello solo and for good reason. Lemler’s passion for the instrument and the beautiful sounds of the orchestra brought the concerto to life.
I have rarely thought of the cello as such an integral instrument in the orchestra, with the exception of the world’s great cellists like Yo-Yo Ma.
Prokofiev’s “Lieutenant Kije Suite” written in 1934 for the film of the same title chronicles the life of an imaginary decorated soldier constructed for the purposes of pleasing Russia’s Czar.
The piece utilizes all the facets, of the orchestra beginning with a beautiful opening part for the trumpet that comes full circle at the end of the last movement with the death of Lt. Kije.
The pieces’ emotional highs and lows were well articulated by the orchestra’s great performance. The musicians’ passion for the music translated well into the sound and professionalism that was articulated by their performance.
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 was completed and first performed in 1901. To play the piece, the Orchestra brought in the accomplished pianist and composer Dr. Mayerovitch. Mayerovitch has won an extensive number of competitions and is currently a member of the Elysian Trio, in-residence at Baldwin Wallace University. It is wonderful that we are able to bring such talent to our campus.
He demonstrated graceful attention to the piece and possessed a great ability to perform with precision from memory. His style took the audience on an emotional roller coaster, as we felt the emotions spring to life.
The musicians were well-trained and prepared throughout this performance as they accompanied him.
It truly was a wonderful and worthwhile concert. Before attending this concert, I had never been to an orchestra performance at the College of Wooster and I am sad to learn about this gem so late in the game as a senior.
I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to experience beautiful music that we have on campus from the Wooster Symphony Orchestra to Cow Belles.
Not only does the orchestra put on a great performance, but also their venue is extremely beautiful and well built for a college of this size. I am hard to impress, but at this concert, the musicians and conductors did a fantastic job of impressing me.
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