The Wabash College Orchestra presents its Spring Concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 28, in Salter Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Building.
Under the direction of Alfred Abel, the concert begins with a sinfonia by famed opera composer Gaetano Donizetti that showcases the orchestra’s wind section. It will be followed by a concerto grosso of Arcangelo Corelli, the first great violin virtuoso and composer, which features the orchestra’s string section.
The first half closes with the world premiere of In Memoriam and Celebration for full orchestra, written by our own lead trumpet Steve Parke. Written in memory and celebration of Steve and Dick Parke's recently deceased mother and dear friend Ben Bumbry, the work is a stirring and spiritually uplifting tribute to the human spirit that deftly interweaves themes from hymns such as Amazing Grace and A Mighty Fortress with Silent Night and When the Saints Come Marching In. Music lovers will want to hear the first performance of a piece which could become a favorite in the spiritual repertoire.
The second half of the program features Felix Mendelssohn's “Scottish” Symphony, and an instant hit when it was first performed in 1842 and a favorite of Queen Victoria’s.
The concert is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend. It is a great way to introduce young children to the classical orchestra literature.