Goshen College’s Symphony Orchestra performed its annual spring concert on Saturday, April 11 in Sauder Concert Hall. The orchestra, conducted by Jimin Seo, visiting assistant professor of music, played six different pieces, including pieces by Gilbert Vinter and Percy Grainger.
Olivia Gabrielson, a junior elementary education major, felt that the concert went well. “I think Professor Seo picked out really good songs, and I enjoyed playing them,” she said.The concert marked Seo’s last performance as conductor at GC, as she will be leaving her position at the end of the year. She said that this transition made the performance feel especially significant to her.
“It was a memorable night I will cherish for a long time,” Seo said. “The melody in the slow section of ‘Jubilee’ especially touched my heart and felt like a gentle, beautiful farewell.”
Cal Swartzendruber, a senior biochemistry major, has played the viola in the orchestra since their first year. They said that they have enjoyed working under Seo’s direction for the past two years.
“I’m so grateful to Jimin for being an incredible conductor. She expertly balances an attitude of fun and getting things done, and it’s a joy to be in rehearsal with her,” Swartzendruber said.
This event marked a monumental moment for Swartzendruber and four other seniors, as it was the last orchestra concert they will play in before graduating at the end of April.
Swartzendruber said what they will miss most about the group is the people. “I’ll miss the community! I’ve connected with the other people in my section the most this year,” they said. “I’m happy to call them my friends.”
Seo expressed a similar sentiment when reflecting on the concert.
“This time, knowing that this was our final orchestra performance together, every moment felt even more meaningful,” Seo said. “Even though I know this isn’t really goodbye, I realized that it might be the last time I make music with some of you, and that made me appreciate every second even more.”
