On Friday night, Cochran Chapel resonated with the sounds of Saint-Saëns, Beethoven and standing ovations for the Academy Orchestras’ final concert of the year. Along with outstanding orchestral repertoire, the Senior Concertos of violist Jacob Shack ’10 and cellist Rainer Crosett ’10 were highlights of the evening. From the Corelli Ensemble’s powerful first chord, the audience was immersed in “A Splash of Cold Water” by Gwyneth Walker. After the fervent introduction, a soft, legato melody arose, as if the surprising “splash” had lost its sting. Corelli’s next piece was “Lullaby for String Quartet” by George Gershwin, featuring a violin solo by Mathew Lloyd-Thomas ’12. “It’s a bit of a somber piece. [It is] quiet, a bit reflective, not as open really, a little introverted,” said Lloyd-Thomas. “I liked how it was different from a lot of the pieces we usually play and it gave each section an opportunity to really be heard.” With swelling chords and slow, melding harmonies, the Amadeus Ensemble and Academy Chamber Orchestra combined to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.” The piece played with the contrast between soft and loud, major and minor, and individual and united voices to defy expectations and keep listeners enraptured. Gracefully moving waves seemed to whirl around the different string sections, for what James Orent, conductor of the Academy Symphony and Chamber Orchestras called “a heavenly sound in that space.” Orent said, “Most people would think that Chamber Orchestra, being the larger, more experienced orchestra, would take the First Orchestra parts, but actually what we did was we combined the orchestras, so we alternated Chamber Orchestra and Amadeus personal. That strengthened both orchestras and gave the younger students the opportunity to play with the more experienced students.” The Chamber Orchestra accompanied Shack for a breathtaking performance of “Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra” by Bohuslav Martinu. The lyrical melody showcased Shack’s strength at playing expressively. Shack said, “It was really fun playing my concerto with the Chamber Orchestra. The chapel was a nice space, because my sound projected above the audience. It was really clear.” The concerto featured technical challenges and meter changes that Shack dealt with effortlessly. “The most nerve-racking moment was in those first rehearsals when the orchestra wasn’t quite getting it, but I knew they would,” he said. Crosett’s concerto, “Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 33 by Camille Saint-Saëns,” opened with an energetic chord and quick runs, which gave way to a gentler melody while preserving a sense of intensity. Often the sound and dynamics built in layers as growing sections of the orchestra repeated a particular theme. Crosett maximized the beauty of the cello timbre, displaying the range of capabilities of the tone. Crosett said, “The Saint-Saëns is not that difficult a piece actually, it’s one of the pieces that’s usually taught to students who are just starting to learn concertos, so it was a lot of fun to come back to because I had learned it when I was younger, and now I could come back to it with a greater technique and musicality and have fun with it.” In a final burst of energy, The Academy Symphony Orchestra performed “Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, Eroica, Op. 55” by Ludwig van Beethoven. A triumphant theme passed between different sections of the orchestra, interspersed with soft, elegant sections with a pastoral feel. Audience members and performers alike deemed the concert a success. “I thought both Jacob and Rainer did an amazing job. They were really prepared and they were into what they were doing. I think they were able to communicate to the audience what they were trying to say,” said violinist Miki Nagahara ’13. Christopher Walter, Instructor in Music and Director of Performance, said, “This was one of the very best orchestral concerts I’ve seen here. The idea of doing the Vaughan Williams with Amadeus and Chamber was just inspired. It was absolutely fabulous. It was so beautiful. Of course, the concertos I knew were going to be good.” The annual awards ceremony of Music Prizes gave the concert a celebratory air. Orent said, “We have a really wonderful student body here, with the level of intelligence and commitment and dedication, and still you find there are a few who continue to do more and more and more, and it’s nice to recognize that extra extra effort.” Bobby Chen ’10, Crosett and Shack received the Charles Cutter prize for outstanding string playing. Hoonie Moon ’10 and Lauren Kim ’10, were recognized as valuable members of the orchestra with the Ainsworth B. Jones. Jen Chew ’10 was awarded the Milton Collier prize for talent at piano playing. For their leadership and service, Leo Bremer ’10, Eric Sirakian ’10 and Nikita Saxena ’10, received the Music in the Community prize. David Chung ’10 was presented with the Robert S. Warsaw for love of music and support of fellow players. For their excellent citizenship in the orchestra, Steve Kim ’11 and Maddie Tucker ’11, were awarded the Rex Chao Memorial prize. The concert was a time of mixed emotions for seniors who will soon be graduating. Shack said, “It’s bittersweet. I’ve been in the orchestra for six years, so this has become a regular thing for me, but it’s time for it to come to an end, and I’m glad I got to play in the last concert.” As they move on to other schools and orchestras, the seniors will surely hold good memories of a spectacular last concert at Andover.
