Arts

Symphonic Winds and Chamber Orchestra perform in Gallagher

by Jenny Mendoza

Xavier University’s Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Winds presented a free concert entitled “From the Sublime to the Ridiculous” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the Gallagher Theater. Both groups were led under the direction of Conductor Dr. Matthew Westgate. The Chamber Orchestra
consists of string instruments, such as violin, cello and bass. They performed prior to the Symphonic Winds. Dr. Westgate directed the first piece, entitled Concerto Grosso
Opus 6 No. 1, which is broken into five different movements. Students Jonathan Long and Lauren Holt were violin soloists and Sarah Jolly performed a cello solo
in this piece. The second piece was handed over to student conductor Jonathan Long and he directed the group in
a piece entitled O Magnum Mysterium. The concert continued under the direction of Dr. Westgate with the third piece being Divertimento in F major, k. 138, which is divided into three movements. The fourth and final piece was Romanian Folk Dance, which was separated into six movements. There was a short intermission before all 57
members of the Symphonic Winds took the stage.
Symphonic Winds covers a wide range of instruments,
such as woodwinds, brass and percussion. Dr. Westgate conducted the first piece entitled Five Miniatures, which is divided into five movements. The second piece played was entitled Solo de Concours. This piece featured clarinet soloist Jimmy Wiederhold playing the majority of the music and having the band center on him. The third and fourth pieces, Folk Dances and On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss, were conducted by students Nick Turon and Bobby Escamilla. The final piece was under the direction of Dr. Westgate and it was entitled Godzilla Eats Las Vegas. This piece utilized an accompanying video created by Music
Education major Tim Graulty to emphasize the music’s narrative aspects. “The instrumental ensembles put on another stellar performance. The students here at Xavier continue to amaze me with their talents, their passion, and their commitment. I am thankful to be able to work with these great people every day,” Dr. Westgate said.