On Friday evening, the Academy Orchestras delivered a final performance to mark the end of the academic year. While the concert included familiar classical selections, what made the night stand out was the celebration of two Seniors: Athena Zhang ’25 and Sophie Tung ’25. The audience was treated to the premiere of “Origine,” an original composition by Zhang that conveyed emotions of renewal and transition, themes that resonated deeply as many Senior performers prepared to say goodbye to Andover. Following this debut, Tung, a senior soloist, took center stage with two movements of the Brahms Violin Concerto.
Oboist Eric Myung ’28 described the concert as a meaningful and fulfilling way to close out his first year. Among the evening’s highlights, he cited Tung’s solo as a particularly powerful source of inspiration.
“Sophie is just an incredible violinist, and it’s such a beautiful piece. I also played the solo. Brahms’ Violin Concerto really opened my mind to music beyond just the oboe world. Branching out, playing concertos from other composers, and exploring different styles is really important. If more people, not just musicians, took the time to dive deeply into everything they do and broaden their horizons, the world would be a better place. I’ve grown not just as a musician but also as a person. I’ve become more humble, and I’ve learned to truly appreciate music and the life around me. I’ve learned to live in the moment,” said Myung.
Tung’s journey and preparation with the Brahms Concerto started last year, when she heard a live performance of the piece. Since being chosen as a Senior Soloist performer with the orchestra, Tung has prepared through weekly rehearsals in Spring Term.
“I actually chose the piece last spring when the audition information first came out. I had seen Hilary Hahn perform it with the [Boston Symphony Orchestra] on our Music 910 trip. That’s a chamber music seminar, and we usually take a trip at the end of the year. I remember really loving the second movement after that concert,” said Tung.
Though initially uncertain about how well her piece would align with the orchestra, Tung gained confidence through the rehearsal process and offered thoughtful advice for future senior soloists.
“When you’re picking a piece for the audition, choose something that really speaks to you, something that reflects your musical style. Don’t worry too much about the repertoire length or whether the orchestra can manage it. If everyone is locked in and focused, you can make anything happen together,” said Tung.
Zhang’s composition, written for the entire orchestra, required months of refining and collaboration with Dr. Derek Jacoby, Instructor in Music. She began writing before students even moved into the new music building, drawing inspiration from the promise and energy of the updated space.
“I was inspired by Falls Hall in general. I actually started writing the piece before we officially transitioned into Falls Hall, but the potential of moving from Graves [Hall] to this new space really sparked something. There’s just so much more opportunity here. It was really awe-inspiring. Just knowing that so many people, especially my peers, came together to bring something I wrote to life, it made me feel incredibly grateful,” said Zhang.
As the final orchestra concert of the year, the performance stirred a wave of emotions for both the musicians on stage and the audience. Nurul Khairunnisa ’25, who joined Andover as a new Upper, attended to see her friends perform one last time. She left feeling both amazed and deeply grateful.
“There’s a bittersweet feeling. Maybe I should’ve gone to more concerts in the past or gotten more involved in music or theater. I feel a lot of “what ifs” when I attend performances now. But at the same time, it’s beautiful. Seeing how many underclassmen are involved, freshmen and sophomores, it makes me realize that this tradition will continue without me, and there’s something comforting about that. I was a new Upper when I came to Andover. If I hadn’t been accepted, I wouldn’t have had the chance to witness any of this. My previous school didn’t even have an orchestra. So while I might regret not participating more, I’m just so grateful to have experienced all of it. I know not everyone gets that opportunity,” said Khairunnisa.
