Joint effort of the SCU chorus and orchestra raises the Mission roof
By Marcy Redmond
For the second time in their history, Santa Clara's Concert Choir and University Symphony Orchestra will perform together in the Mission Church Friday night. The 60-member chorus and 40-piece orchestra will present an amalgamation of Puccini's Messa di Gloria and Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, as well as several American spiritual pieces.
Choral Director Thomas Colohan, a member of the musical department faculty for over three years, is ecstatic to showcase his chorus' talents in such a beautiful historic landmark. But while the setting provides an exquisite backdrop for the musicians, it presents challenges that a typical recital hall would not.
While the acoustics in the Mission seem to enhance the sound of the chorus, the orchestra must be careful to play more slowly and more precisely than normally, in order to allow the audience to clearly hear the words the chorus sings.
The students have planned a special treat for Robert Frost lovers. They will perform two of the American poet's works that have been set to music, while highlighting the famous and delicate words of "The Road Less Traveled" and "The Star-Splitter."
The chorus isn't the only praiseworthy group of musicians performing Friday. Orchestra conductor Emily Ray will lead the University Symphony Orchestra with just as much enthusiasm as she had when she first became part of the Santa Clara faculty in 2001. The orchestra's mix of students and faculty produces a powerful and elegant sound that even includes the use of hammers against metal anvils.
The intensity with which each instrumentalist plays is evident in the crisp, graceful sound of each piece the orchestra presents. French horn player Gariety Pruitt displays such dedication. The sophomore music minor joined the orchestra as a freshman to continue her interest in music.
She stresses the importance of music to her education and the education of the Santa Clara student body as a whole. Not only does the orchestra provide an outlet for her creativity, but Pruitt adds that this concert also speaks to society, by performing music that will be recognized as part of American popular culture.
Freshman Chrissy Mogren, also a French horn player, enjoys the orchestra's biweekly practices, which give her an opportunity to continue a musical passion she has had since high school. As many students are unaware of the chorus and orchestra, Mogren feels this vibrant musical community's performance in an historical setting is well worth the short walk to the Mission.
With more than one hundred talented students and faculty participating in Friday night's exposition, everyone is bound to see a familiar face and appreciate the hard work of fellow students as they wear their musicians' hats for a special evening of song.
Thomas Colohan's chorus and Emily Ray's orchestra will perform both separately and together, providing something for every music lover to enjoy Friday night, May 14 at 8 p.m. in the Mission Church. Tickets are $10 general, $8 seniors (60 and over) and Santa Clara faculty and staff and $5 students.
û Contact Marcy Redmond at mredmond@scu.edu.