Lindenwood University Symphony Orchestra

Tonight I went to go see Lindenwood University's Symphony Orchestra play in their fall concert at the J.Scheidegger Center for the Performing Arts. This is an ensemble I have heard and played with periodically through the years; they have always been very mediocre (when compared to many other similar college string ensembles) having many intonation issues, rhythmic inaccuracies, and just an "eh" level of musicianship  in general.  Things were pleasantly different at this concert however.

The red curtains hung with anticipation prior to the concert as the audience came into the the house and found their seats. The ensemble could be heard warming up and tuning behind the curtains, nothing as of yet seemed out of ordinary or hinted at what was to come. The curtains opened and the concert mistress walked out and tuned the ensemble, still nothing out of the ordinary. She sat and a wild eyed and tall Wm. Shane Williams approached the podium and requested the audience to stand for the playing our very own National Anthem. Patriotic lighting of red, white, and blue appeared on the orchestral shell and the orchestra began to play. I could already hear the Symphony of sound that had been lacking all these years from the ensemble even with the very first few notes of the anthem.

The Maestro then introduced La Gazza Ladra Overture (the Thieving Magpie) by Gioacchino Rossini with a brief preface of how it was written and performed in a single day for the premier of the opera, ink still wet. The performance was energetic, lively, and had a full ensemble sound.

Reverie, Op. 24 of Alexandre Glazouno followed the overture, featuring senior Casey Cheever on Horn.   Mr. Cheever had an intelligent and intuitive comprehension of the melodic development, as well as a relaxed and controlled sound that seemed to float as if it were a cloud above the ensemble. It was delightful to listen to, to say the least.

As a finale for the concert the orchestra played a young Beethoven's Symphony No.1 (Op21. C Major). One could tell that parts of this were not as refined as the other three presentations were, however it did not detract from the performance in a terrible way. The orchestra presented a unified ensemble sound and finished the concert strong and with authority (the way ANY Beethoven composition should be played).

As a final note of summation, it is safe to say that I enjoyed the concert and will be anxiously waiting for the next concert and the new heights to which this ensemble should soar to. I see only greatness in their future if they continue to improve like this.