The Central Michigan University Symphony Orchestra will conclude its spring concert series with a concert on April 28 featuring works by the 2005 School of Music concerto/aria and composition winners.
The orchestra, under the direction of Carlton Woods, will perform at 8 p.m. in the Staples Family Concert Hall in CMU’s Music Building. Admission is free and open to the public.
The program will include “Polovetsian Dances” by Alexander Borodine,
“Tableau de Provence” for alto saxophone and orchestra by Paule
Maurice and featuring saxophonist Megan Hendrick, and “An American Portrait”
by composition winner David Biedenbender.
Following intermission the orchestra will conclude with an overture by Antonio
Carlos Gomez and arranged by Ross Jungnickel, “Lenski’s Aria”
from “Eugene Onegin” by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “A Hidden
Tear” by Gaetano Donizetti and performed by tenor Carl Bara, and “Bolero”
by Maurice Ravel.
“This is a terrific program with something for everyone,” said
Woods. “Professional performers have infrequent opportunities to perform
with a full symphony orchestra. This event offers that opportunity to students
who compete in the CMU School of Music competitions.”
The CMU Symphony Orchestra comprises mostly students majoring in music, but
includes some non-music majors as well. The 50- to 60-piece orchestra offers
an assortment of string, woodwind and brass instruments and occasionally performs
with various vocal ensembles.
Biedenbender, a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, is the second annual
Orchestra Composition Contest winner. The Mount Pleasant sophomore is studying
music composition and theory and music education. He is the son of Michael and
Rachel Biedenbender of Mount Pleasant.
Hendrick, a graduate of the Lapeer West Instrumental Program, is the 2005 Concerto
Competition winner on saxophone. The Columbiaville sophomore is working on a
dual major of music education and saxophone performance.
Bara, a graduate of McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona, is the 2005 aria
competition winner. The Arizona junior is pursuing a bachelor’s degree
in vocal performance. He is the son of Michael and Susan Bara of Tempe, Ariz.
