Jenna Anderson-
The Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO) and Symphony Orchestra (GSO) have their Fall Concert from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. this Saturday, Nov 9th in Jussi Bjorling Hall. They are playing quite a few pieces, including previews of what they will play during the renowned Christmas in Christ Chapel concert later on this year. “The Gustavus Department of Music is proud to present the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, in their fall concert,” the Gustavus website says.
First-year Jamy Randrup, who plays the violin in GSO, explained the difference between the two Gustavus ensembles. GSO, the symphony orchestra, is a lot larger: “we have the four stringed instruments and we also have wind, brass, and percussion. A philharmonic orchestra (GPO) is a lot smaller, and there’s a lot more emphasis on the string players themselves.”
Senior Marcus Nguyen, who plays viola in GSO, has been playing for 11 years. This is his first year in GSO after three years in GPO. “It’s quite fun to be able to play pieces that we will be doing for Christmas in Christ Chapel, but also pieces that we haven’t performed yet” Nguyen said, regarding the Fall Concert.
When speaking on her experience in GSO so far, Randrup said, “It’s been a really good opportunity for me to grow as a player because I’m surrounded by all these people who are so committed to their craft and passionate about their art. It’s a really fun ensemble to be a part of.”
The Fall Concert includes four pieces for GSO, including the Helios Overture, and a Dvořák symphony that is “ very famous and will probably be recognized by most of our audience,” Randrup said. The other two pieces include a few movements of a Bizet piece, and a piece titled “We Left Our Homes Behind” by Shelly Hanson. This piece, described as “truly so emotional” by Randrup, was composed by a professor at Macalester and depicts the journey of migrants who are fleeing their homes.
Dvořák’s “From the New World,” is Nguyen’s “favorite symphony of new time.” GSO is playing the first few movements of this piece at their concert. “Just yesterday I listened to the entire thing, front to back, just because it’s good. If you come and hear that, it might particularly inspire you to look into some music.” Nguyen said.
“When you find that there’s a very wide range… it provides a lot of open doors to other parts of classical music,” Nguyen continued. Listening to a few movements might inspire you to listen to the entire piece, sparking a passion for classical music. “I think that’s my favorite part about it,” Nguyen said.
The Fall concert for Gustavus Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras will be on Saturday, Nov. 9th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Jussi Bjorling Hall. “You’ll learn a lot from coming, and I think it would be a very good entry into classical music,” Nguyen said. “Don’t rule out classical music, it’s quite fulfilling. It’s relaxing, good for studying, and just enjoyable to listen to.” Supporting the Gustavus orchestras in just one concert could mean entering into a passion for classical music that you didn’t even know you had, or simply a discovery of some new study music that you love.