Saddleback orchestra swoons audience
Always room for cello (Andre Mahmoudian/Lariat Staff)
The Saddleback Symphony Orchestra gave their first concert of the 2010-2011 season in the McKinney Theatre on the cold, muggy night of Oct. 16 at 8:00 p.m.
After a quick sound check was initiated by violinist Branden Muresan, the musicians stood up as the conductor of the evening, Carmen Cortez
Dominguez, walked to the center of the stage.
The orchestra performed eight songs composed and arranged by artists representing different nationalities and styles.
Most of the songs were entertaining to listen to since they were mostly upbeat, but it was the slow songs that tended to put one to sleep. Overall, the orchestra played well, even for a person who does not usually appreciate this type of art.
At the beginning of each set, Dominguez gave short speeches about the musicians and composers who created the songs and what the audience might hear during the performances.
The first selection highlighted the string section that performed “Concertino No. 2 in G Major” by Carlo Ricciotti This included three movements entitled “Largo,” “Da Cappella, non presto,” “Largo Affetuoso,” and “Allegro.”
The musicians then rearranged themselves to accomodate the incoming percussion, woodwind, and brass players.
The full orchestra then played the three-movement “Symphony No. 2” by Vittorio Giannini. My personal favorite movement from Giannini’s
“Symphony No. 2” was considered an Allegro since it incorporated all of the instruments of the orchestra and it was the fastest rhythmically.
The last selection the orchestra played was from “Slavonic Dance in G Minor” by Antonin Dvorak called “Opus 46, No.8.”
At the end of this performance, the audience gave a huge, well-deserved applause to the orchestra and the conductor.
“The other musicians did great. I think we really pulled together as an ensemble through the Riccioti, because it felt like playing chamber music,” said Suzanne Kite, 20, violin performance. “The vibe from that helped the rest of the pieces come together.”
A Feast of Lights is the next performance by the Saddleback Symphony Orchestra. It will be on Dec. 4 at 3:00 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Saddleback describes A Feast of Lights on their website.
“[the show is] a festive program just in time for the holidays, [that] brings together the chorale ensembles, under the direction of Scott Farthing. [Mr. Farthing is also acompanied by] the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Carmen Dominguez, for a presentation of music of the season.” Don’t miss the opporotunity to see these talented men and women!