Arts and Entertainment | Concordia Courier | Student Newspaper

Concordia Handbell Ensemble played on the field of SoFi stadium while ringing for a greater cause

Concordia Handbells ring for Breast Cancer at SoFi Stadium

11/8/2024 - 2 minute read

On Oct. 27, during the Los Angeles Chargers game at SoFi Stadium, an arena of 70,000 fans were met with sounds and instruments that are rarely heard or seen at a pro sports game. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Concordia Handbell’s ensemble took the field during halftime to give a performance in honor of those who have “rung the bell” and won the fight against breast cancer.

The Concordia Symphony Orchestra is excited for another year of bringing orchestral music to the local area, around the country and even overseas.

Concordia Symphony Orchestra brings grand works of Beethoven closer to audiences than ever before

10/25/2024 - 2 minute read

On Oct. 19, the Concordia Symphony Orchestra performed one of Beethoven’s most grand symphonies to a sold-out audience in Zhang Hall. Conducted by Dr. Jeff Held, Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, Concordia’s orchestra took on Beethoven’s Third Symphony “Eroica” which is made up of four separate movements and stands at an astounding hour-long duration.

Students in Concordia's ballet classes are thrilled to be equipped with proper mirrors and flooring in their new classroom.

New dance room and equipment benefits students’ education and wellness

10/4/2024 - 2 minute read

Walking past the Student Union classrooms, previously one would see a room of desks, chairs, carpet and neutral-toned walls. Now, the space has been transformed into a large dance room with proper flooring and mirrors for Concordia’s dance students.

Celebrated as "the Pianist of the Presidents", Roger Williams' impact on music was celebrated and ever present at the Centennial concert.

Music Department fetes Roger Williams with grand first concert of the year

10/4/2024 - 2 minute read

Celebrating a hundred years of renowned pianist Roger Williams, the Music Department produced a robust concert on Sept. 28 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Featuring adjunct professor of piano, Dr. Hyenjoo Choi, Concordia Symphony Orchestra, Donne Di Canto, Men’s Chorus and soloists Bryan Pezzone and icon, Pat Boone, the Roger Williams Centennial Concert was an astounding accomplishment for the Music Department and an electric way to begin the year of performances.

Sacred Music Recital brings together devotions and songs of praise

9/20/2024 - 2 minute read

As Concordia students and faculty observe their regular chapel time, the Music Department welcome everyone to their Fall Sacred Music Recital on Sept. 25. Taking place in the Borland-Manske Center, the Fall Sacred Music Recital will provide thoughtful devotions paired alongside music by the Chamber Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. HyeJung Shin.

Concordia kicks off WOW with new student move-in

8/30/2024 - 2 minute read

Embarking upon the new school year, Concordia began Week of Welcome, or WOW, with New Student Move-In on Aug. 16. Amongst the Target bags, tool kits and toilet paper, new freshmen students moved into their new dorms in Chi Rho or Sigma, with the help of other Student Leaders, P.A.L.s and faculty.

This year's Music Bootcamp students enjoyed an outing away from the practice rooms, at the Laguna Beach Art Museum

Music Bootcamp gives new students a headstart on their studies

8/30/2024 - 2 minute read

On Aug. 13, the music wing of the Borland Manske Center (BMC) was full of this year's newest class of music students. Kicking off the program that is known as Music Bootcamp, freshmen and transfer students spent three full days meeting faculty, participating in placement exams and auditions and building friendships among each other.

This year's theatre season includes works from guest director and adjunct professor, Susannah Vaughn, pictured here

Concordia Theatre Department kicks off their 2024-2025 season

8/30/2024 - 2 minute read

With the beginning of the school year arriving earlier this month, Concordia’s Theatre Department diligently prepares for its newest season of excellent productions. Amongst student-move-in and returning from summer break, the Theatre Department wasted no time in its efforts for the year, as the first show, “The Trojan Women” by Euripedes, is set to open on Sep. 6 and continue performances until Sep. 15. Beyond performances of “The Trojan Women,” there is excitement throughout the department for this year's season.

“Emma” breathes new life into a literary classic

4/26/2024 - 2 minute read

Featured as the last production for the Theatre Department’s season, “Emma,” written by Jane Austen, hopes to transport audiences to a world of pastel colored delight. Directed by senior Theatre major Emma Johnson, “Emma” follows a young woman who believes herself to be a successful matchmaker. However, the character of Emma begins to question whether or not these romantic relationships are to the benefit of her friends. The result is a witty and cheerful production which features timeless love stories.

Known most notably for his work on the movie "Whiplash", John Wasson is a sought after composer and arranger for orchestral music.

Visit from Composer John Wasson inspires Concordia Wind Orchestra

4/12/2024 - 3 minute read

As students in the Music Department work diligently to fine tune their craft, they were recently given the opportunity to learn and work alongside a well respected professional in the field, John Wasson. Across the third week of March, composer and arranger Wasson paid a visit to the Music Department and gave a series of masterclasses, clinics and a final concert with the Concordia Wind Orchestra.

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