Concordia orchestra returns to stage

Fans of Concordia’s musical ensembles had the opportunity to listen to its latest addition in November, the Concordia University Chamber Orchestra.

Concordia has had smaller stringed ensembles in recent years, but it has been about 30 years since Concordia has had an orchestra. It is an important addition according to the orchestra’s conductor Dr. Christopher Nichols.

“Familiarity with the orchestral literature is a critical part of a curriculum for professional music educators and performers,” Nichols said.  “Also, it provides an outlet for non-music majors, especially those that only play stringed instruments, to enrich their lives with music.”

The Nov. 15 program featured ”On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring” by English composer Frederick Delius.

“This stunning tone poem depicts its title beautifully. I really feel that this music [English] deserves more attention,” said Nichols.

The audience also heard selections by French composer Jacques Offenbach and Austrian composer Franz Schubert.  

Orchestra members:

Julia Gremmer, Senior, New Braunfels, Texas

Erik Scherer, Sophomore, Bismarck, N.D.

Joel Heckmann, Junior, Canton, S.D.

Jonathan Heckmann, Freshman, Canton, S.D.

Natalie Kesar, Sophomore, Omaha, Neb.

Byron Dow, Senior, Arlington, Texas

Emily Brandt, Junior, Loveland, Colo.

Stephanie Mueller, Senior, Wheaton, Ill.

Katelyn Sievert, Junior, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Justin Tayon, Junior, Belleville, Ill.

Sarah Langness, Sophomore, Larned, Kan.

Kelly Jacob, Sophomore, Winnebago, Neb.

Erin Kelley, Sophomore, Danbury, Neb.

Andrew Schwartz, Junior, Greeley, Colo.

Sarah Mahnken, Senior, Schleswig, Iowa