The Northern Michigan University Orchestra will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Pieces featured in the concert are “Thunder and Lightning Polka” by Johann Strauss, “The Winds of Poseidon” by Robert Smith, Bedrich Smetana's “Moldau River from Ma Vlast” and Arturo Marquez's “Danzon No. 2.”
“I chose these pieces for a variety of reasons,” said Barbara Rhyneer, orchestra director. “‘Thunder and Lightning Polka' was chosen as a short and fun, straightforward-to-conduct piece as an opener for our guest 8th-grade conductor Larkyn Stucko, who won the Celebrity Art Auction for the experience of conducting an orchestra/ ‘The Winds of Poseidon' has an exciting story about Odysseus, and the use of wind tubes and vocals in the players reflect mythical sirens.
“The ‘Moldau' is a beautiful epic work reflecting the Moldau River. It is only playable by musicians approaching a professional level. After I heard the great players audition this semester, I thought, ‘We should attempt it!' I know we have the players capable of playing ‘Danzon No. 2,' a difficult and sassy piece based on a Cuban dance. We're also performing that one on the recommendation of a longtime community musician, oboist Patty Gagnon.”
Students received the music pieces two months ago and have practiced together for one month. They will play on percussion, woodwinds, brass and strings, with added harp and piano. Rhyneer audience should expect to hear a high-energy performance with various sounds coming from the instruments.