By: Danielle Roberts and Mary Grace Bitting
The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) and members from the Milligan University Orchestra ensemble performed at Mary B. Martin Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Titled “Youthful Inspirations,” JCSO played selections from “L’Arlésienne” by Georges Bizet and Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5, with members of the Milligan University Orchestra accompanying on the first piece.
Dr. Robert Seebacher, the music director and conductor of the JSCO, explained that a successful performance is one where both the audience and the musicians are happy. “That absolutely happened this evening,” said Seebacher. “The pieces connected with our audience, and that’s what we want.”
He said that one challenge they faced in preparing this program was the complexity of the music.
“When the Milligan students joined us, we didn’t pick a piece that’s arranged or otherwise dumbed down,” said Seebacher. “We still pick repertoire, so the music is really difficult.”
Seebacher said that another challenge they faced was the limited number of rehearsals to put the pieces together.
“We get three rehearsals to put the concert together, and then we give a concert,” said Seebacher. Seebacher explained how performing in a university setting differs from other venues.
“There’s vitality and infectious energy,” said Seebacher. “They [students] approach this whole process with a vigor that’s really fun to be around.”
Seebacher also discussed the importance of collaborating with Milligan.
“There would be no Johnson City Symphony Orchestra without Milligan University,” said Seebacher. “This was our hall from the beginning. We have our instruments here. We rehearse in this venue. We would be nothing without Milligan. Milligan is our home. Milligan is our partner. We are always thrilled to make music here.”
Milligan Senior Bethany Wilson, who attended the concert, said, “I came to support my friends in the Milligan orchestra.” Wilson said it’s amazing to see the payoff of all the time and effort that the performers put into the music.
“As a group, we practice usually twice a week from 4:30 to 6:00,” said Guadalupe Raya, concertmaster and first chair violin in the Milligan orchestra.“Individually, I practice roughly around eight to ten hours, sometimes more depending on how stressful the season is.”
Milligan junior violinist Mollie Wainscott said, “My favorite part of it all was feeling a lot more presence in the brass and the percussion. It really gives it a different feel, like you’re in the music.”
Events coming up for the music program are Guadalupe Raya’s junior violin recital in Seeger Memorial Chapel on March 26 at 7 to 8 p.m and the “At the Threshold” concert directed by Dr. Kellie Brown in Mary B. Martin Auditorium on April 18 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Photo: Close-up of The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) performing with the Milligan University Orchestra in Seeger Chapel (Photo Credit: Danielle Roberts)
