Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra opens 71st season in Christ Chapel

Hillsdale College’s Symphony Orchestra opened its 71st season with two performances in Christ Chapel on Oct. 9-10 during parents weekend. The performances featured junior Ethan Tong who performed Hindemith’s “Der Schwanendreher” for viola and orchestra. Tong was one of the winners of the 2020-2021 annual student concerto/aria competition. More than 1,100 people attended the two performances.

“The tradition of presenting an orchestra concert for fall parents weekend is a thrill for the orchestra students,” said Professor James Holleman, music director. “The diligent work ethic and passion for the repertoire the students brought to the rehearsal process has been terrific, all while balancing rigorous academic responsibilities. We are already looking forward to our next symphony concert on November 20 and 21.” 

In addition to the Hindemith, the orchestra performed Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Beethoven’s “Leonore” Overture No. 3, and Copland’s “Our Town.” 

Hillsdale’s orchestra is a full-instrumentation college symphony orchestra that performs an advanced standard repertoire. Any student with sufficient performing skill may become an orchestra member by audition or recommendation of the College’s music studio teachers. Performances often feature faculty, student, and guest soloists.

The Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra hosts multiple performances throughout the year that are open to the public. The next performance will feature Music Department faculty soloists Brad Blackham, piano, and Emily Douglass, soprano, and include performances of Ravel “Concerto for the Left Hand,” selected arias, and respighi’s “Fountains of Rome.” 

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For more details, the public may subscribe to the college’s “Community Newsletter” at https://www.hillsdale.edu/community/.