Orchestral Fireworks: From Messiah to Masterpieces
February 2025 Vol. 25 No.2
Every time I sit down to write one of these articles looking ahead to the next SOGO concert, I scratch my head and try to think about what’s new and exciting that I haven’t already talked about. Then I step onto the podium at rehearsal and the students surprise me once again with their dedication, hard work, and positive attitudes. I am reminded that it doesn’t matter what repertoire we play; the students are always worthy of your presence and support. In December, the Conservatory Orchestra once again participated in SOGO’s annual Messiah sing-along. With 90 players on stage and a completely packed house, it was a truly exhilarating evening, and I hope it was as memorable an experience for the students as it was for me.
Conservatory is now hard at work on two firecrackers of the orchestral repertoire for our March 2nd concert: Pique Dame Overture by Franz von Suppè and Capriccio Espagnol by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. These composers, who were both experts on the capabilities of orchestral instruments, ask the musicians to employ some unusual techniques. Watch for the string players imitating guitars and dropping their bows onto the string from the air (this latter technique is called “saltando” or “ricochet”). Both pieces feature large percussion sections, and Capriccio Espagnol also includes several solo cadenzas. It is a piece I personally have loved since the age of 14, and this was the year I had all the right soloists to pull it off.
This repertoire represents a significant step up from what we performed in November, as was the Messiah. For those who don’t know, even though we only play portions of Handel’s Messiah each year, it still adds up to about three times the amount of music the Conservatory Orchestra typically prepares for a concert. Students who stay in Conservatory multiple years of course have the benefit of their experience playing Messiah year after year, but a significant percentage of this year’s orchestra was encountering it for the first time. They rose to the challenge magnificently and are doing so again with the music for the March concert.
While our new rehearsal schedule and use of two different buildings prevents me from observing all our groups as they rehearse, I hear great progress reports from my fellow conductors, and I am so grateful to each of them and to our wonderful Teaching Artists for their expertise and commitment to our students. Enrollment continues to inch upward, and I can tell that our ensembles are headed towards another splendid performance on March 2nd. I know that I always say that our concerts are not to be missed, but that’s because it’s true! So, get your tickets now and be sure to arrive early; a special surprise awaits the first 200 people through the door. That’s all I will say for now. See you soon!