The Shippensburg University Community Orchestra delivered a moving performance of its program called “Old World, New World.”
The orchestra played two pieces this past Sunday as part of the program. The first piece called “Vltava” (The Moldau) was composed by Bedřich Smetana.
The different sections of the orchestra combined well for a soft, delicate tune in the beginning of play. The piece took a slight turn in the middle with quicker, more frantic movements and sounds.
The ensemble also carried through a fast tempo with sharp, clean vibrato that echoed throughout the Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
Listeners were truly transported with Smetana’s original storytelling and the scenery based on his homeland of Czechia. The music sounded like frolicking through the forest, which is what was intended.
Ryan Kozak, the conductor and director of the Orchestra and String Ensemble, introduced the group and the ideas behind the selections the musicians were playing.
Kozak explained that the title of “Old World, New World” was fitting for celebrating America’s 250 years as a nation. Both the songs acted as reflections of the past and look forward to the future.
He also acknowledged the passion the students have for music and how they all come together to perform what they love.
Before beginning the remaining portion of the concert, Kozak honored the seniors who were in the ensemble because it was their last performance with the group.
The second composition was Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World.”
The “New World Symphony” was composed by Antonin Dvořák throughout a span of six years, and included four movements surrounding his transition from Czechia to the United States.
The first movement felt dark and dramatic, even mysterious, whereas the second movement was more subtle.
The second movement started with the trombones and the strings were gradually introduced, which created a more solemn sound of remembrance.
The third and fourth movements returned to the fast-paced playing of the first one. The ending was more aggressive but faded out and slowed down to the final chord.
Visit the Luhrs Performing Arts Center’s website to stay up to date with their upcoming performance.
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