By Ainsley Green, Contributing Writer
On Friday, the Sunderman Conservatory performed their first concert of the 2023-2024 academic year at the Majestic Theater. The performance had a large audience of college students and members of the community who came to support the musicians. Although the school year seems to have just begun, both the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Symphony were able to display their talents and dedication on stage with an impressive repertoire.
Before each piece, members of the ensembles in multiple class years and instrument sections introduced the works and gave brief descriptions of the stories behind the music. These introductions informed the audience of what the upcoming performance was, gave context for the movements and highlighted instruments in each piece.
The Sunderman Conservatory performing “Together Again.” (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
The Wind Symphony was the second group to take the stage after a brief intermission. This ensemble of woodwinds, brass and percussion performed “Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo, Op. 90” by Malcolm Arnold, “Riften Wed” by Julie Giroux, “Psalm for Band, Op. 53” by Vincent Persichetti and “A Mother of a Revolution!” by Omar Thomas. The Conservatory’s Director of Bands and professor of music Russell McCutcheon directed the Wind Symphony as they played these four pieces.
The program encapsulated many musical eras and featured the work of many highly respected classical and contemporary composers. The music had a wide range of beautifully grandiose melodies and fast, powerful themes. The musicians’ passion and focus as they performed was very impressive.
Audience member Kersey Jones ’27 noted “how in unison the strings were” in the Symphony Orchestra. Jones also “enjoyed the dynamics” in the Wind Symphony’s pieces.
The Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony have more upcoming performances. The Wind Symphony will perform again on Nov. 17 and the Symphony Orchestra will perform on Dec. 1. Both performances will be at 8 p.m. at the Majestic Theater.
The Sunderman Conservatory performing at Majestic Theater. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
