The University of Indianapolis Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra performed at 7:30p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.
The performance opened with “Fünf Stücke für Streichquartett,” by composer Erwin Schulhoff, which included three parts: “Alla Sernenata,” “Alla Tango milonga,” and “Alla Czeca.” The performers were Sarah Page and Anastázie Vithová on violin, Emma Bryant on viola and Leilah Smith on cello. The next song performed was “Concerto pour batterie et petit orchestre, Op. 109,” by composer Darius Milhaud, which included “Vif Rude et dramatique-Moderé.” This piece was performed by music Faculty Adjunct Paul Berns on percussion. The final piece that the orchestra performed was “Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 ‘Little Russian,’” by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which included “Moderato assai- Allegro Vivo.”
The orchestra had a unique sound and style, according to Nick King, Freshman occupational therapy major.
“I felt like the chamber orchestra, the intensity of the violins, made my heart race a little bit,” King said. “But when we went to wind instruments, there were no string instruments, besides one guitar. So that toned it down, and it wasn’t as intense as previously.”
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performance began with “Kleine Dreigrochenmusik,” by Kurt Weill, which included the pieces “Overture,” “The Moritat of Mack the Knife,” “The Instead-of Song,” “The Ballad of the Easy Life,” “Polly’s Song,” “Tango-Ballad,” “Cannon Song,” and “Finale.”
The next piece was “Old Wine in New Bottles,” by Gordon Jacob, which included “The Wraggle Taggle Gipsies,” “The Three Ravens,” and “Early One Morning.”
Freshman english education major Kiley Sokol was expecting the performance to be similar to her high school band. However, she was impressed with the ensemble and the music.
“I haven’t been to a concert before, but I did enjoy it,” Sokol said. “I really enjoyed the one they did about the sleeping village, as well as the three ravens.”
The next piece was “Five Miniatures,” by Joaquin Turina, which included the pieces “Dawn,” “The Sleeping Village,” “Promenade,” “The Approaching Soldiers,” and “Fiesta.” The final piece of the concert was “Entry March of the Boyars.”
Sokol was impressed overall with the ensemble.
“I admire people that can play a musical instrument because it is not something I can do,” Sokol said. “It requires a lot of dedication and time.”
King, who is currently taking an Intro to Music course, said his professor told him that the music they are listening to in class would be played at the concert.
“It was nice to listen to something different than what I am used to listening to and [it’s] pretty great, actually. And I definitely suggest going to concerts,” King said. “Not only do you get LP [lecture/performance] credit, it’s actually nice to go to and listen to. I had a test this week, so the concert helped me relax.”
