Michigan State University’s School of Music graced the stage with a concert in the prestigious Max M. Fisher Orchestra Hall, home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, on January 29, 2006. The school’s four premiere large ensembles – University Chorale, Jazz Band I, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Orchestra – performed for an exuberant audience consisting of Detroit-area donors, students admitted to MSU for the 2006-07 academic year and their parents, along with President Lou Anna K. Simon and Provost Kim A. Wilcox. More than 1,200 people were in attendance.
Prior to the concert, festivities began with two simultaneous receptions, collaboratively hosted by University Development, the Office of Admissions, and the School of Music. Around 400 prospective MSU freshmen students attended the reception, speaking with Admissions staff about Michigan State University while enjoying refreshments. A second reception, in the Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge, included university donors and President Simon.
“Wow, what a concert! All the ensembles were outstanding. I’m sure the audience will be talking about this concert for many weeks to come. You made us all very proud to be a Spartan. Congratulations to all for the hard work.”
Alumnus Bill Sachs, class of ’67 and ’76 |
Provost Wilcox and President Simon opened the concert with welcoming remarks, speaking highly about the quality of talent that the School of Music boasts. The concert began with David Rayl leading the University Chorale in several short works by Alfred Desenclos, Arvo Pärt, Nikolai Golovanov, Kirke Mechem, and two movements of resident composer Jere Hutcheson’s Mist of Tears. Rodney Whitaker and Jazz Band I showcased the improvisational talents of the jazz studies students and kept toes tapping throughout the audience with The Music of Thad Jones to conclude the first half of the concert.
The Wind Symphony led by John Whitwell performed some of the staples of band literature to open the second half. Audience members enjoyed the familiarity of Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, arranged for wind ensemble by Clare Grundman. Florent Schmitt’s Dionysiaques, and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Marche Mili taire Française concluded the Wind Symphony portion of the concert. Finally, Leon Gregorian and the MSU Symphony Orchestra concluded the concert with Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (with orchestration by Maurice Ravel).
| |
MSU Ensembles pictured at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall: University Chorale, Jazz Band I, and Symphony Orchestra. |
|
“The concert successfully showcased the variety and quality of talent within the School of Music to future MSU students, alumni, friends and supporters,” said Director James Forger. “With the participation and support of President Simon, Provost Wilcox, University Development and the Office of Admissions, our musicians
were grateful for the opportunity to perform in the home of one of the world’s leading orchestras.”
