Concordia Symphony Orchestra calls on the north winds in their performance of two Nordic symphonies on Oct. 30. 

The group will be performing two symphonies in the Nordic Tradition. First is Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 1, simply entitled “Nordic,” which simulates the harsh beauty of the rugged north. Also being performed is Carl Nielsen’s Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable” meant to express the varied spirit of life through motion. The concert will be taking place in the CU Center. 

“I am embarking on a gradual performance cycle of the Howard Hanson symphonies,” said Dr. Jeff Held, Director of Concordia Symphony Orchestra, when asked about his piece selection. “Since Hanson's first symphony is subtitled "Nordic," I looked for another major symphony to pair from a Nordic composer. I ultimately chose a favorite of mine, Denmark's Carl Nielsen and his 4th Symphony "The Inextinguishable" which depicts how music cannot be extinguished even in the hardest times like World War I, during which it was composed. I found that to be an appropriate approach, that music is inextinguishable despite all the challenges the world can throw at it, like a pandemic. There are many incredible moments of uncertainty throughout the symphony, including a very wild battle between two sets of four timpani.”

The concert was difficult to prepare for, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic making full rehearsals difficult to come by. “With COVID, there was a period of time when a chunk of people were quarantined,” said Mya Chahbazian, junior. “This made rehearsals very difficult to fully engage in.” Now, with relaxed COVID guidelines, the student musicians must balance “the new surplus of activities that have been added to our plate,” explained Chahbazian.

Despite these challenges, and the difficulty of the chosen pieces, the Orchestra feels confident about their upcoming performance. 

“The Symphony Orchestra has put plenty of hard work into the individual and ensemble preparation of these pieces,” said Sophia Flores, senior. “They are difficult, but I am confident that the performance will be stellar.”

“I am very proud that the Concordia musicians can play music of this stature,” said Held. “In addition to rehearsals, each has studied the symphonies by listening to multiple reference recordings, learned their parts, and learned when to enter in the texture of the symphony, a particular challenge in this demanding work. I hope many people come to hear these symphonies.  Each is a monumental work of art that stands for about 30 minutes before disappearing until another orchestra performs it.”

“Nordic Symphonies” will be performed on Sat., Oct 30 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Worship and Performing Arts.

Tags: Symphony Orchestra, event, Alexander Carr

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