Goshen College’s 65th annual Concerto-Aria concert took place this Saturday, Feb. 15 at Sauder Concert Hall, with memorable performances from GC’s Orchestra and soloists.
The evening began with Symphony No.1 in E minor by Joseph Mounsithiraj, a senior art major. He said that the symphony is a testament to his perseverance in learning something new.Next, the group was joined by Julia Koch, a sophomore music major, on violin I and Lucca Kauffman, a sophomore social work major, on violin II. They performed Pablo de Sarasate’s Navarra for Two Violins and Orchestra, Op. 33.
Koch said, “The piece is a lively duet for two violins inspired by a Spanish dance called a jota.”
Koch also mentioned how the preparation for the concert was both challenging and rewarding. “We spent a lot of time preparing for this performance. We began working on the piece at the beginning of this school year, then auditioned with it in November, and the final concert in February,” Koch said.
“That timeline gave us plenty of time to improve the piece but also presented another challenge, keeping the piece performance ready for so long.”
Following their performance, Milo Armstrong, a junior music education major, played his viola in Hector Berlioz’s “Harold in Italy.” In addition, Fatima Rhana, a senior double major in music and theater, performed “Una voce poco fa” from “II Barbiere di Siviglia,” in which her charming charisma drew laughs from the crowd.
Dontaye Albert, a senior theater major followed up with the melancholic piece “It is Enough” from “Elijah” by Felix Mendelssohn. Phil Witmer-Rich, a senior music and English double major, performed Benjamin Britten’s “Albert the Good!” from “Albert Herring.”
Witmer-Rich said, “It’s a goofy piece about a ne’er do well reflecting drunkenly upon the embarrassments and triumphs of his day.”
Witmer-Rich also shared some of the challenges in working with the orchestra. “It is very different because it’s so many different people and parts to deal with. If you’re with piano, they can just follow you, but being with an orchestra makes you one of many musicians trying to coordinate,” he said.
“Jimin [Seo, conductor, and assistant professor of music] conducts, but the output relies on every musician in the room being reliable on their own parts, not just two musicians.”
To wrap up, Aysia Adkins, a junior music major, and Leif Billings, a senior music major, performed a beautiful version of “O Soave Fanciulla” from “La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini, with the soloists completing the performance off stage.
The 65th Annual Concerto-Aria Concert at GC was a stunning display of talent, showcasing the hard work of both students and faculty. From complex violin duets to powerful vocal solos, each piece brought something unique to the stage.
“I will remember the performance for many years to come. To be able to work with so many talented musicians and perform in such a wonderful hall was very special,” Koch.
