The USD Symphony Orchestra performed this weekend in celebration of the university's anniversary. The events held at Shiley Theater on Friday and Sunday drew generous audience turnouts undoubtedly due to the quality sound that the orchestra is known for. The program included classic works from history's greatest composers as well as a choir performance.
Joining the Symphony Orchestra on the piano were award-winning soloists: Adrian Laio, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Del Mar Heights; Dominique Kim, a Carmel Valley middle-school student and Matilda Rudolph, a 15-year-old Carlsbad High School freshman. Each soloist individually accompanied the orchestra on compositions by Mozart, Beethoven and Kabalevsky.
Although the guest soloists received high praise from the audience for their astounding performances, especially at such a young age, the USD symphony orchestra and its director/conductor Dr. Angela Yeung were offered much-deserved praise for this weekend's performances. The orchestra successfully executed flawless interpretations of Malcolm Arnold's "Anniversary Overture" and William Walton's "Anniversary Fanfare," transcribed for full orchestra by Yeung, as well as works by the latter composers mentioned.
Playing compositions like Mozart's and Beethoven's is no easy task, yet it was one made seemingly effortless by the talented musicians that comprise the Symphony Orchestra. From the strings and the horns alike, as well as percussion and winds, no tempo or pitch could keep the performers from emitting consistent quality sound. With every passing note, a crescendo of excitement in the audience took the experience from piano to fortissimo.
During the event, the audience was given a slideshow presentation of the Symphony Orchestra's tour to Quito, Ecuador by member and USD student Joaquin Proaño Fein. The orchestra's trip, lined with performances at local schools and a major concert hall, proved successful in extending USD's reach in the community through the students' talent and their music.
The End-of Year Concert will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Shiley Theatre. The performance will showcase all music ensembles like choir, orchestra, choral scholars and more. This year's special guests are Maestro Philipp Mann, the Assistant Conductor of the San Diego Symphony and USD alumna Maria (Yrjola) Parker, a pianist. The concert is free for everyone with free-will donation at the door.
