On a cool October evening, the works of classical composers followed by the faint sounds of cheers and applause echoed from the Music Building.
The performers in question, the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit orchestra made up of community professionals, students and amateur musicians that perform to engage and enrich the community.
Kicking off their 49th season, the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed classical works written by composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Béla Bartók and Igor Stravinsky from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Music Building.
The concert was led by director Linc Smelser alongside soloist Teng Li, principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Greg Martin, a DeKalb resident, enjoyed the different classical pieces.
“I thought it was fabulous,” Martin said. “Sometimes the music felt dramatic.”
After opening with a performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and a brief pause for preparation, the orchestra launched into an action-packed, intense recreation of Mozart’s classical work.
The performance deviated between the four different tones and tempos of the four parts of Mozart’s “Symphony No. 25 in G minor.”
The first, “Allegro con brio,” began with an action-packed start with some parts of the melody giving off an intense tone that was complimented by the fast-paced movement from the strings, particularly the first and second violins.
The second movement, “Andante,” was calming and oddly soothing, especially compared to the previous performance. The melody maintained a soft, balanced tempo throughout the entire part which seemed almost jarring in comparison.
The third, “Menuetto and Trio,” gave off an adamant and determined vibe but had a peculiar shift into a lighter melody midway through. The tone would consistently shift from solid to tense then back again which made for an interesting performance.
The final part of Mozart’s symphony, “Allegro,” seemed almost anticipatory at some points with the melody and pacing of the song quickening and slowing in semi-varying intervals leading to a triumphant conclusion.
For Bartók’s “Viola Concerto,” the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra was joined by Li to paint a picture through an elegant melody. The performance featured a shifting tone – sometimes melancholy and at other times curious – making for a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
Anne Martin, a DeKalb resident, enjoyed the varying tempos and tones of each piece.
“I thought the music felt dramatic,” Martin said. “It was absolutely beautiful.”
After the performance had concluded, the musicians were met with rousing applause and a standing ovation before the intermission to the final part of the night’s performance.
Stravinsky’s “Petrushka” was the final piece of the night. The melody felt light and harmonious. In other moments, it shifted to a deep and powerful tone, utilizing steady build-ups and sudden explosive bursts from the trumpets, percussion and violins.
Teresa Nelson, a DeKalb resident, found that she enjoyed listening to the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra perform.
“I enjoyed it,” Nelson said. “It was nice to see them play.”
At the end of the performance, the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra received another set of cheers and standing ovations for bringing the work of classical artists to new and old ears alike.
The next performance will feature the Kishwaukee Concert band from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the Music Building.
