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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Orchestra ‘awakens’ at Columbia

    The Southeastern Chamber Orchestra gave a performance last Friday, April 1 at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond. The event “Awakening,” which began at 7:30 p.m., spotlighted the talents of students, alumni, faculty and guests through solo and group performances that kept the audience engaged throughout its entirety.

    “We are very fortunate to spotlight four of Southeastern’s exceptionally talented and accomplished music students during the concert,” said Interim Director of the Columbia Theatre Kenneth Boulton.

    The evening began with a brief welcome from conductor Yakov Voldman, who thanked everyone for their continued support of the Chamber Orchestra. The first performance of the night, “Concerto for two Trumpets in C Major, Op. 46, No. 1” by Antonio Vivaldi, featured Marcy Mayeux and Brandon Perkins on trumpet. Following their solo, the trumpets left stage for an exclusively stringed piece, “Concerto for Strings in C Major” by Tomaso Albinoni.

    Southeastern student and Concertmaster Iya Tsyrkot of the Ukraine was next to solo in “Nigun [Improvisation]” by Ernest Bloch, which was well received by the audience. The following pieces of the night included: “Overture from Rosamunde” by Franz Schubert, “Symphony No. 2 in B minor, Op. 5” by Alexander Borodin and “Overture from La Gazza Ladra [The Thieving Magpipe]” by Gioachino Rossini.

    The final performance of the evening was “Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major” by Franz Liszt. It allowed junior Zhaolei Xie the chance to shine in front of the Chamber’s audience as solo pianist of the lengthy piece.

    The crowd’s overall reaction was very positive. Upon ending the final piece of the night, the Chamber Orchestra received a standing ovation and shouts of praise from the floor and balcony levels. Xie rejoined Voldman for one final bow, which ended the performance for the night.

    According to Southeastern’s Web site, Voldman founded the Chamber Orchestra in 1993. The group holds a concert every year for Fanfare and usually performs a total of five shows for the academic year. In the past, it has featured world famous soloists and attracted audience members from around the world.

    “A chamber orchestra is generally a reduced-sized symphony orchestra, though still containing all the standard string, wind and brass instrumental groups,” said Boulton. “Consequently, much care is always put into programming for an ensemble of this dimension, and it is fortunate that an abundance of great repertoire exists for it.”

    Through participation in the Chamber Orchestra, aspiring musicians have had the opportunity to gain real-life experience and confidence in his or her abilities.

    “The Southeastern Chamber Orchestra is comprised mostly of Southeastern music majors, though there are a few dedicated and talented adult musicians who are regular members,” said Boulton. “Any student with the necessary interest, experience and skill on their respective instrument may inquire about auditioning each year.”

    This was the final performance of the Chamber Orchestra for the academic year. For more information concerning the orchestra or their concerts, contact Voldman at 985-549-5182.

     

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