On Saturday, March 1, Elfers Hall was filled with thunderous applause as the Philharmonic played the final notes of Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony. The performance also included Mozart’s Concerto No. 5 with featured violinist Lana Trotovšek, and Mendelssohn’s Da Nobis Pacem with the chorus.
The Philharmonic, which was established in 2019 through the generosity of Barbara Walsh Hostetter ’77 and her husband Amos Hostetter, allows select student musicians to play side-by -side with professionals.
The concert was conducted by Christopher Zimmerman, music director of Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. As a world- renowned conductor, Maestro Zimmerman has conducted over 60 premieres by recognized composers.
The Philharmonic was also joined by world-class violinist Ms. Trotovsek. In 2021, she was awarded the Prešeren Award, the highest honor given for achievements in the arts in her native country, the Republic of Slovenia.
As a cellist, I had the opportunity to play the renowned Italian Symphony during the performance. Mendelssohn composed this piece during his travels to Italy, inspired by the sights and sounds of the country.
The woodwinds started the first movement with a series of cheerful and energetic notes. The violins then joined, introducing the lively first theme, which is easily recognized by any classical music enthusiast.
Conversely, the piece’s second movement was deep and solemn, evoking a funeral march. The oboes, clarinets, and violas presented a shadowy melody, while the cellos and basses played the underlying bassline that served as the piece’s pulse.
During rehearsals with the guest musicians, I gained valuable insights into musical interpretation and delivery.
When we were rehearsing the first movement of the Italian Symphony, Maestro Zimmerman focused on the dynamic contrasts of the movement, to give it more excitement and momentum. The gradual crescendos became surging waves of energy that made the piece more lively, playful, and filled with movement, much like the vibrant country of Italy.
Dr. Gisele Witkowski, instructor in piano, said, “It’s important for a young orchestra to learn how to perform in the style of Mozart and Mendelsson, two of the greatest representatives of their era. Their pieces are extremely hard to play well.”
Indeed, the techniques and skills that I learned from this experience and from working with the professional guests will have a lasting influence on all other pieces in my future cello career.
The Philharmonic’s final performance of the 2024-2025 season will take place on May 3 and feature guest conductor Oliver Weder and Van Cliburn International Competition winner pianist Olga Kern.
