As part of the Music Ensemble Performance Series, the Redfern Arts Center’s Main Theatre hosted the Keene State Orchestra on Wednesday, April 22.
The performance consisted of two pieces: “Tragic Overture” by Johannes Brahms and “Symphony No. 3” by Robert Schumann. However, “Symphony No. 3” was split into five different movements, those being Lebhaft, Scherzo, Nicht Schnell, Feierlicht and Lebhaft.
Seelan Manickam, the conductor of the performance as well as trumpeter and educator at Keene State, led the performers to a wonderful performance.
“I felt the performance went very well,” Manickam stated. “The works we chose were challenging and the group came together in a cohesive unit to deliver an excellent performance”.
The pieces not only held value in their sound, but also in their history. David Gruender spoke at the start of the performance to describe the history and importance of the pieces that the Orchestra would play.
At the end of the performance, Manickam spoke about how important the many students and performers were to making the performance as good as it was.
“The group played excellently,” Manickam stated. “I think this was due to each individual committing to their personal practice so when we came together to rehearse, we were able to work on the bigger concepts of each work.”
Christopher Martin and Gina Pasquala, two community members who went to see the performance, spoke highly of the piece as well.
“I mean, I liked it all,” Pasquala said. “But if I had to pick a favorite, the second piece that they played. That was the Schumann’s Symphony. It’s unusual for something to have five movements, so we learned about that tonight.”
“I actually really liked the Brahms piece,” Martin said. “I would definitely suggest this show to other people.”
Manickam spoke prominently about his desire to see many more students and members of the community try checking out the Orchestra as well.
“This is an orchestra open to all KSC students and the community,” Manickam stated, “So if there are any students interested in playing they should contact me.”
Manickam and Gruender also highlighted upcoming performances that the KSC Music Department would be performing in. They highlighted the Flute, Saxophone and Video Game Ensembles performance on Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m., as well as KSC’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Vocal Consort performance on the same day at 7 p.m. Both performances will be held in the Alumni Recital Hall.
Michael Ardita can be contacted at
