Southern Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to Great Britain

The+Missouri+Southern+Symphony+Orchestra+made+a+contribution+to+this+semester%E2%80%99s+British+theme+by+playing+songs+by+composers+from+England+and+other+countries.%C2%A0

Ashleigh Schneider

The Missouri Southern Symphony Orchestra made a contribution to this semester’s British theme by playing songs by composers from England and other countries. 

On Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, the Southern Symphony Orchestra performed in Taylor Auditorium.

This month’s performance was a tribute to the music of Great Britain. The performance was one of Southern’s Great Britain semester events. It was made possible by the support of the Missouri Southern Institute for International Studies. Chad Stebbins, director of international studies, received a special thank you from the conductor.

“We depend on our supporters and appreciate them very much,” said Dr. Jeffrey Macomber, professor of music.

The Music of Great Britain production included pieces by British composer Peter Warlock, German Romantic composer Max Bruch, and English composer Sir Edward Elgar. As usual, Macomber conducted the Southern orchestra. He led the orchestra through performances of many songs which payed tribute to Great Britain.

Erik Peterson, violinist for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, joined the Southern Symphony Orchestra on stage during Scottish Fantasy, which was composed by Max Bruch. Peterson took his spot right next to the conductor and played his violin with a determined look on his face. The audience cheered enthusiastically once Peterson had completed his first song. They hushed once again as he started right into the next song. His violin sang throughout the auditorium, louder than all the other orchestra instruments. Peterson played four songs with the orchestra and then took a bow. He smiled brightly as the audience applauded his performance. Then, he left the stage.

The Southern Symphony Orchestra was met with its own round of applause once the final song ended.