On November 7, the Andrews Academy music department presented their ninth annual Concerto Night at the HPAC, and it was phenomenal. Through all of the exciting crescendos and peaceful notes, the orchestra presented a program that was enjoyable for all in attendance. The director, Elsy M. Gallardo-Diaz, explained to the audience that this concert strayed away from the typical German or Italian music that one would find at any other concerto night, but in- stead gravitated towards the fresh and diverse musical styles of Spain and France. She believed that these pieces offered newer qualities that were really sought after and popular. German and Italian music had dominated the scene for many centuries. Spanish and French composers, she explained, offered a breath of fresh air then, and they offer a breath of fresh air now. This unique experience, unheard of at other concerto nights, allowed the orchestra to fully flex its muscles, and display the great amount of talent that comes from Andrews Academy.
This particular concerto night consisted of six songs, with two songs performed by the entire orchestra, and the other four highlighting a specific soloist. The entire band shone as they played, “Prelude to ‘Car- men,’” and “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (from ‘The Planets’).” These two songs were very distinct in their style, but were both very large- sounding songs, giving every instrument something to do.
However, the highlight of the evening was the soloist songs, which featured four talented soloists, who joined the ranks of the fifty-one students who had been featured in the past. Sofia Oudri performed a viola solo for “Viola Concerto No. 1 in D Major,” Kameron Feliciano performed the cello solo for “Elegie, Op. 24,” Daniel Palacios-Worley performed the violin solo for “Symphonie Espagnole, Op. 21,” and Claire Yang performed the violin solo from “Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op. 20”. Every single one
of the soloists had put countless hours into perfecting these parts, and it showed. They commanded the stage, playing beautiful melodies and intense combinations of sound with the rest of the orchestra, and really elevated the quality of the show.
However, the four soloists were not the only participants in the con- cert. With over fifty-five participants, playing a wide range of instru- ments, including violin, cello, bassoon, trumpet, timpani, and more, there were many that shone throughout the evening. As Jessica Grzybowski (senior, nutrition) stated, “There were a lot of moving parts in every song, which I really liked. The large amount of sounds really allowed the orchestra to create music that felt whole.” This group, consisting of AA students, University students, faculty, and a few community students, came together to display their hard work, much to everyone’s delight. While this event has come and gone, be on the lookout next November, as it is something you will not want to miss.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.