The SFA Orchestra of the Pines opens their concert season on October 2, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Concert Hall. Every concert performed by Orchestra of the Pines is open to the public, and music lovers everywhere are welcome to experience this mellifluous program.
Dr. Gene Moon, Director of Orchestras, explains the inspiration for the concert’s repertoire. “Each year, the orchestra holds a competition for SFA students vying for select spots as guest soloists with the SFA Orchestra of the Pines. Two winners will be showcased in our upcoming program, both performing works by French composers,” said Dr. Moon. “To pair against the French works, the orchestra will present an elegant overture by English composer, Engelbert Humperdinck, from his opera, Hansel and Gretel. Bookending and closing the concert, the orchestra will be featured presenting the energizing Seventh Symphony of German master, Ludwig van Beethoven.”
The Soloists, Winners of the 2017 Concerto/Aria Competition
Scott Augustine is a saxophonist currently studying at SFA in the studio of Dr. Nathan Nabb. He will be performing Henri Tomasi’s saxophone concerto which Moon describes as a “chock full of melodies that hint towards jazz idioms of Gershwin and the bombastic nature of Sergei Prokofiev.” Augustine has performed with Orchestra of the Pines in the past as part of the Ethereal Quartet, the Quartet was the winner of the 2015 SFA Concerto/Aria Competition.
Saxophonist Scott Augustine; Source by Hardy Meredith
Baritone and SFA graduate, Juan Garza, was a student of Dr. Scott LaGraff and will return to campus to perform in the upcoming concert. He will be singing an aria from Hamlet by Abroise Thomas. In this aria, he sings to the men around him about his love for wine and its ability to dispel his emotional afflictions. Garza expressed, “I’m very excited to be performing with Orchestra of the Pines, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to sing with such an amazing ensemble.”
Baritone Juan Garza; Source by Hannah Cheek
Tickets
Orchestra of the Pines consists of SFA students who all are tasked to diligently prepare their individual parts autonomously, thus contributing to group rehearsals and performances. Lumberjacks make great musicians, and this concert provides the perfect opportunity to witness them in action and harmony. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for students. You can purchase them online, by phone at 888.240.ARTS (936.468.6407), or in person at the box office.
Orchestra of The Pines; Source by Hardy Meredith