Compositions boom at White Concert Hall

Poised and prepared: The quartet performs the written composition. They played in harmony on two violins, a viola and a cello. 

Eriko Hiranoi

Fetter String Quartet, Washburn string orchestra and Washburn Symphony Orchestra performed at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12 at White Concert Hall.

The concert began with Fetter String Quartet, a string ensemble that includes first violin, second violin, viola and cello. The members are Victoria Smith as first violinist, Mallory Lysaught as second violinist, Emily Winterburg on viola and Caroline Shipley on cello.

Fetter String Quartet performed “First Movement: Allegro Moderato” from String Quartet No.2 composed by Alexander Borodin, and First miniature quartet movement 1, 2 and 3, composed by David Stone. The audience enjoyed the harmony of the string performance.

Next was Washburn string orchestra, which includes violin, viola, cello and contrabass.

“Washburn string orchestra is a relatively small intimate group. We will do a couple of things differently from the normal standing up,” said Professor Silas Huff.

Huff said the reason the orchestra has this performing style is that it allows the musicians to be a little more expressive with their instruments and to be more energetic.

The orchestra performed two pieces of music. The first song was Three Greek Dances: Epirotikos,  Arkadikos and Kleftikos, composed by Nikos Skalkottas. The composer Nikos Skalkottas was born in Haliks, Greece, but spent most of his childhood in Athens. The titles of the dances refer to regions of Greece, or types of folk dance.

The next music number was Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky’s most romantic piece of music, “Serenade for Strings.” Tchaikovsky’s memorable melodies, unabashed emotionalism, and consistently brilliant output make him one of the world’s most popular composers. His most famous piece is “The Nutcracker.”

The final performance was Washburn Symphony Orchestra which consisted of strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, and percussion.

It began with Pavane Op.50, composed by Gabriel Fauré. Pavane is delicate and airy with inspired woodwind parts, including the opening flute melody, one of Faure’s most memorable inventions. Michelle Sieve, the principal flutist in Washburn Symphony orchestra, lead with a wonderful opening melody.

Lara Brooks was the guest performer and soprano vocalist. She showed up on the stage and sang two songs accompanied by the full orchestra.

She sang “If I love you” by Richard Rodgers, and “Mein Herr Marquis”, composed by Johann Strauss, Jr.

Finally, they performed Symphony No.8 from “Moderato – Allegro”, and “Andante con moto” from Franz Schubert.

Edited by Jessica Galvin, Jason Morrison, Adam White