The Wesleyan University Orchestra performed Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G major in Crowell Concert Hall on Saturday, Nov. 11. The performance was divided into four parts, with most of the music played at a leisurely, comfortable pace.
“I was really pleased with the concert,” said Dave Tassone ’08, second violinist and orchestra co-manager. “I think that it was the best we had played the symphony all year. It was especially nice to hear all of the instruments coming together, which doesn’t often happen since not everyone takes orchestra as a class.”
Adjunct Associate Professor Angel Gil-Ordonez led the 53-person orchestra. Gil-Ordonez, who acts as Musical Director of the orchestra, Wesleyan Concert Choir, and the Wesleyan Ensemble of the Americas, has extensive experience conducting symphonic music, opera, and ballet throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America. He was recently awarded the Royal Order of Queen Isabella by the King of Spain. Orchestra managers Peter Hill ’08, Tara Smith ’07, and Tassone assisted Professor Gil-Ordonez in preparing the concert.
In order to become a member of the orchestra, students audition at the beginning of the year. Upon being selected, members rehearse twice a week for approximately two hours at a time. Wesleyan Orchestra can be taken for credit, though many students join the orchestra simply because they enjoy performing.
At the completion of Mahler’s 4th, Anne Rhodes ’06 treated the captivated audience to a beautiful solo performance of the German song “Das Himmlische Leben” (The Heavenly Life). Rhodes completed her M.A. in music from Wesleyan University in 2006 and is now focusing on new and experimental music, as well as improvisation and collaboration with composers.
“I really enjoyed the second half of the performance,” said Kurry Tran ’10. “The soprano singer was also really nice to listen to.”
The next performance for the Wesleyan Orchestra will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall. The group will be accompanying two profession pianists, Anthony de Mare and Steven Mayer with the Concertos of Lou Harrison and George Gershwin.
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