Spring Concert

The music of Tchaikovsky seemed to be the theme at tonights Spring Concert. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 -1893) was a Russian composer of theRomantic era. He wrote some of the most popular concert and theatrical music in the current classical repertoire, including the ballets Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, the 1812 Overture, his First Piano Concerto, several symphonies, and the opera Eugene Onegin. Born into a middle-class family, Tchaikovsky's education prepared him for a career as a civil servant, despite the musical precocity he had demonstrated from an early age. Against the wishes of his family he chose to pursue a musical career, and in 1862 entered the St Petersburg Conservatoryy, graduating in 1865. This formal, Western-oriented training set him apart, musically, from the contemporary nationalistic movement embodied by the group of young Russian composers known as "The Five", with whom Tchaikovsky sustained a mixed professional relationship throughout his career.

Combined Cadet and Chamber Orchestra:

Sahara Crossing by Meyer

Concerto in D by Telemann/arr. McCashin

Crusader by Spata

Andante Cantabile

by Tchaikovsky/arr. Goldsmith

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

by Beethoven/arr. Ledgerwood

Chamber Orchestra:

Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, Op. 35

by Arensky

Concerto Grosso for String Orchestra

by Block

Winter Concert

The orchestral music heard tonight offered quite contrast to the other musical media offered at tonight's concert.

The Combined Cadet and Chamber Orchestra began with the music of Moderato and Musette by Louis de Caix d'Herveiois (1670-1760), of whom little is known except that he wrote a notable amount of French chamber music. They then played Dos Fuegos, by Robert Sieving. Written in a minor key and rhythmically compelling, this distinctly sounding song entranced the audience.

Herman Clebanoff's arrangement of Cielito Lindo, the well-known traditional Mexican song, was then played by the combined orchestras. Clebanoff (1917-2004) was born in Chicago and eventually became, at age 20, the youngest member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Later he was hired to form the famous Cleganoff Strings to make records in response to England's famous orchestra leader Mantovani.

The combined orchestras finished their portion of the concert with Concerto Grosso, by Elliot Del Borgo. The Rhapsody String Quartet played the Alleluia from Mozart's motet for soprano and orchestra Exsultate Jubilate. The popularity of this aria is evident, given the fact that it has been transcribed for so many different kinds of voice settings and instruments.
The Chamber orchestra began tonight with music by the much known William Boyce (1711-1779). We heard the first of his eight symphonies, Symphony No. 1 in B-flat, Op. 2, No. 1, written in approximately 1755. Around this time, he began to withdraw from public appearances due to advancing deafness. However, he is regarded as one of the important British composers of the 18th Century along with George F. Handel, with whom his music bears a striking resemblance. They then played Serenade for Strings by Dwight Gustafson.
Lastly, they rounded out the concert with music by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). Britten is considered by many to be England's greatest composer of the 20th Century. His Simple Symphony (1934) is based on eight melodies (two per movement) he composed as a child.

Congratulations to all Orchestra members on a beautiful and successful concert.

Spring Concert

The full sound of the combined Cadet and Chamber Orchestras was thrilling to see. The audience was moved by the rich sound and emotion created by this talented group.
Down River Adventure, by Pinner
Deep River, arranged by Frost
Amazing Grace, arranged by Siennicki

The Morning Trumpet, arranged by Pinner

The Chamber Orchestra excelled our expectations with their performance of these American classics. Afterwards, the audience gave them a standing ovation.

American Reel, by Mosier
Adagio for Strings, by Barber
Point Lookout, by Balmages
Hoe Down from "Rodeo," by Copland

Congratulations to all orchestra members!

Have a great summer and we will see you next school year!

Field Trip to Symphony Center

Twenty students/parents attended an open rehearsal which offered an unique opportunity to get an insider’s view of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conductor, and guest artists. Students observed a complete CSO rehearsal from beginning to end. Following the rehearsal two members of the CSO bass section answered questions from students.

After meeting up with our group, we waited eagerly for the rehearsal to begin.

The building itself was beautiful to view, but the when the music began, it eclipsed the surroundings by far.

Bernard Haitink conducted the orchestra in Mahler's Symphony No. 1 and after a short break the orchestra played Ravel's Menuet antique and Kelley O’Connor, mezzo-soprano, sang Lieberson's Neruda Songs. It was an eventful and exciting trip for all in attendance. We look forward to our second chance to view the orchestra on May 29. Hope to see you all there!

Christmas Concert

Combined Cadet and Chamber Orchestra Played:
A Yuletide Greeting arr. by Higgins
O Come, O Come Emmanuel arr. by Del Borgo
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba from Handel's Solomon, arr. by H.B. Fisher
Soloist: Sarah Hillebrand & Emily Hillebrand on violins
Beautiful Savior, a Silesian Folk Melody, arr. by Tim Fisher

Chamber Orchestra Played:
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Traditional song arr. by Larson/Adams
Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 by Corelli
Christmas Concerto
I. Vivace-Grave
II. Allegro
III. Adagio-Allegro-Adagio
IV. Vivace
V. Allegro-Pastorale
Soloist:
Jennie Van Groningen, Jonathan Walters on violins
Jonathan Wessel on cello
Plink, Plank, Plunk by Anderson

Students and parents showed appreciation to Mr. Wessel for a beautiful concert and a great semester. He in turn thanked Mrs. Wessel for all the hard work and planning she contributes to the music programs here at MHFA.