On the evening of Tuesday, April 16, a classical performance by the Elon University Orchestra broke through barriers of age and experiences via a genre that is sometimes overlooked, but not lost.
“Going to watch the Elon Orchestra was an experience that allowed me to continue to appreciate classical pieces of music and it proves the incredible talent that the university has to offer,” said Brian Delgado, a sophomore at Elon.
Beginning with a charming rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the orchestra played an array of classical music, with compositions ranging from the 17th century to the 20th century, including the “spring” and “summer” concertos from Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”
The six pieces used in the performance were played at the level of a professional orchestra, according to director and music professor Thomas Erdmann. He said he does not use any watered-down versions of these classical pieces, and he holds his students up to a professional standard.
The musicians in the orchestra are at varying skill levels. Forty Elon students make up the majority of the instrumentalists. Most of those students are actually not music majors, Erdmann said. They study a wide variety of subjects.
Twenty advanced musicians from Williams High School participated in a portion of the performance, along with their director, Veronica Allen. In addition to high school students, the Elon Orchestra welcomes community members to join the group; this year, there were 19.
“It’s nice having the high school students and community members play with us,” Erdmann said. He explained how it gave Elon students a way to reflect on how far they had come musically and what to look forward to in terms of how far they can go.
“Working with more experienced players gives us a feel for what college performance will be like,” said cellist Parker Clary, a freshman at Williams High School.
Erdmann hired a violin soloist, Katherine Thomas, to accompany the orchestra. Thomas originates from Burlington, received a master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music in New York and is currently living in New York doing freelance solo performances.
“It’s wonderful to be able to join the orchestra as a soloist because when I was young I would come to help out and listen when my mother and grandfather played here,” Thomas said.
This year was Thomas’s first year performing with the Elon Orchestra, but her neighborhood connection to it made this show special for her.
“I’m so happy to live in an area that has so much talented entertainment,” said community member Sis Steffen.
From the audience, one would have no idea dress rehearsal was the first time all of the musicians played together on one stage.
“The experience makes you appreciate a variety of music styles,” said Elon freshman Andrew Brazel.
Although students and community members may not frequently listen to classical music, going to the orchestra can unify the audience and create a uniquely enjoyable experience.
The soothing music connects musicians and audience members of all ages and from all walks of life in a way only music can.
“One knows there is a God when one hears music,” Erdmann said.