Brass and strings: Music from the Romantic era
By Liz Gobeski
Staff Writer

On Sunday, March 4 the Albion College Orchestra will perform a concert in Goodrich Chapel that James Ball, associate professor of music and orchestra conductor said is going to be “a real crowd pleaser.”

“The pieces we’re doing really show off orchestras in general, and the power and color and excitement they offer,” Ball said.

The orchestra will play pieces from the Romantic era, including Russian Easter Overture, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov; Egmont Overture, by Ludwig van Beethoven; and the movements Jupiter and Mars from The Planets, by Gustav Holst. According to Ball, The Planets in particular has had a large influence on composers, including John Williams, who wrote the music for Star Wars.

“The concert will give an overview of what the Romantic era has to offer,” said Zachary Knight, Traverse City senior, and leader of the cello section. “All of the pieces contrast each other through distinctive aspects of the period.”

“It’s not your typical orchestra concert.”

Featured in the concert will be two faculty soloists. David Peshlakai, adjunct instructor of cello will play the cello, and Suzanne Garber, adjunct instructor of violin and viola will play the violin.

Student soloists include Sheila Santa, Hilliard, Ohio senior, on violin; Ashley Smith, Oakmont, Penn. sophomore, on flute; and Stephen Courtright, Cleveland, Ohio sophomore, on trombone. There will also be significant contributions by Knight on cello; Lauren Hecht, Peotone, Ill. sophomore, on clarinet; and Linne Druse, Greendale, Wisc. freshman, on harp. Joe Verbeke, Lapeer senior will be conducting one of the pieces in his role as assistant conductor of orchestra.

The concert begins at 4:00 p.m. on March 4 in Goodrich Chapel.