The Concordia Symphony Orchestra musical event, featuring violinist, Sam Fischer, will take place on Sat., Oct. 22 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the CU Center.

Jeff Held, Assistant Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Director of Arts & Instrumental Activities, said, “We will be joined by violin soloist Sam Fischer on the Brahms violin concerto.  This is one of the cornerstones of all music composed in the Romantic Era.”

Junior Jarod Grudem on the trumpet said, “[Sam Fischer] is a professional violinist and concertmaster for multiple orchestras in Southern California. The solo he is performing is honestly one of the best I have heard in a long time, and I would highly recommend not missing it.”

The CU Center will allow the audience to be truly enveloped in the music. Held said that “Hearing a top-level violin soloist in the intimate CU Center is an exceptional opportunity to hear something very unique and memorable. The CU Center audience is closer than most audience members in concert halls, and has very enveloping sound reflections.”

“The 40-minute work expects the highest artistry in violin playing and the orchestra parts are far more significant than most concerto accompaniments,” Held continued, “There is entertainment value in experiencing this, and certainly value in hearing friends play professional repertoire [You'll be amazed at how talented they are!].”

The gifted student performers have put in hard work to put on a great concert. Laura Stoi, sophomore on the violin, said, “We as an orchestra have worked hard putting this concert together, especially in sectionals.” Stoi added, “I personally found that a lot of my effort goes into not just practicing my part, but also listening critically to recordings of our pieces, because it helps me understand how my part fits into the whole and makes me more efficient in my own practice as well.”

Grudem said, “In order to be the best I can be for the orchestra, I make sure to schedule a time to practice every day so that I come to rehearsal fully prepared. Dr. Held is really good at letting us know ahead of time what music we are going over in rehearsal, so it helps us to know what we need to be focused on.”

Grudem added, “Everyone in the orchestra, whether they are Music majors or not, is driven by their love for music, and that passion is shown during and outside rehearsal. The music we are preparing may be challenging, but through our hard work and determination, I believe that we will accomplish something that will bring joy to all who come to see it.”

Students will gain a greater understanding of music by attending the event. Held said, “From a personal cultivation side, listening to a symphony instead of a song is like reading a book instead of an article. There is more room for nuance, adventure and development. The concerto offers this as does the symphony by Howard Hanson in the second half.”

The final piece will be one that the audience can relate to and use to understand the heavier concert pieces. Held said, “We will conclude with one of John Williams' most famous works - ‘Flying Theme’ from ‘E.T.’ Why do we include movie music next to these heavy concert works? Because John Williams specifically cited Hanson's symphony as a model for his orchestral writing. An astute listener will hear numerous similarities.”

Stoi said, “I think this concert should be enjoyable for any lover of music, whether or not someone is a musician.” Grudem added, “There is a lot to be excited about at this concert, so please come and support your Concordia community.” 

For more information regarding the musical event or to obtain tickets for the event, visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/concordia-symphony-orchestra-tickets-112941.

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