Orchestra Celebrates 200 Years of Music

The Westmont Orchestra’s 60 student musicians celebrate their season premiere with music spanning more than two centuries at the Fall Orchestra Concert Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. Both performances take place at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave., and tickets are $10 general admission; students are free.

The concert marks an historic moment for Westmont as Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship, conducts the college’s first complete student orchestra. “After a four-year cycle of intentional program development, the Westmont Orchestra arrives this year at its full and intended strength of 60 student musicians,” Shasberger says.”

Shasberger says he intentionally selected colorful music that allows the ensemble and soloists to shine. Highlights include Haydn’s “Violin Concerto in C” with featured student soloist Daniel Sheasby and Manual DeFalla’s “Nights in the Gardens of Spain” with student pianist Rachel Teranishi. Popular orchestral favorites on the program include the overture to Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus,” “Jupiter” from Gustav Holst’s “Planets” and Bedrich Smetana’s powerful “Moldau.”

Northern Trust Bank is generously sponsoring the Westmont Orchestra season, as do the gifts of Westmont’s supportive music patrons.