Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra Holds Opening Concert During Homecoming
The concert featured pieces from past performances as a tribute to orchestra alumni.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra held its opening concert of the 2024-25 orchestra season on Friday in Christ Chapel as part of Hillsdale’s Homecoming Weekend festivities. The orchestra presented favorite individual movements and pieces from the past as a tribute to Hillsdale’s orchestra alumni.
“Homecoming Weekend is the perfect time to celebrate our orchestra alumni while getting to bring back some of our favorite pieces from the past,” said James A. Holleman, music director of orchestras and choirs. “It is an exciting start to a new orchestra season, and we look forward to more great shows to come.”
“Homecoming Weekend is the perfect time to celebrate our orchestra alumni while getting to bring back some of our favorite pieces from the past.”
Works performed included Giuseppe Verdi’s “Overture to I Vespri Siciliana,” which the orchestra previously performed in 1996 and 2016; Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod” from “Enigma Variations,” previously performed in 2008 and 2019; and Bedřich Smetana’s “The Moldau,” previously performed in 2018. The performance also featured music from the film score of “Our Town” by Aaron Copland, performed in 2021, and Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture,” performed in 2001 and 2012.
Several alumni joined the orchestra for the performance: Emily Willis ’24, violin; Deanna Ducher ’95, viola; Gregory Farison ’18, cello; Sandra Pooley ’11, bass; Aaron Johnson ’08, bass; and Kaitlyn Johns ’17, clarinet.
For photos from the concert, click here. For photos of previous music performances in Christ Chapel, click here. For photos of Christ Chapel, click here. For photos of Hillsdale College, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.