The BYU Philharmonic Orchestra celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” by performing it for delighted audiences in the Harris Fine Arts Center. Fans of classical music filled the de Jong Concert Hall to listen to BYU’s premier orchestral group in its last performance of the semester.
“It was amazing,” said concert-goer Jessica Sagisi. “The way they responded to the conductor was phenomenal.”
The evening started out with Claude Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.” Both the orchestra and graduate student conductor Denisse Vallecillos seemed quite comfortable with each other during this whimsical yet gentle piece.
Kory Katseanes took the reins for the rest of the concert, masterfully leading the orchestra through the remaining compositions. The second performance, “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra” featured Monte Belknap, an associate professor of violin at BYU. Belknap’s artful accompaniment seasoned the melodious sounds of the Philharmonic with an emotional edge which matched that of the piece. The third movement was especially impressive where every member of the Philharmonic and their accompaniment were in perfect sync with each other and Katseanes for the rousing conclusion of the concerto.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the concert was “The Rite of Spring” which hasn’t been performed at BYU for 28 years. According to Katseanes, Stravinsky’s masterpiece served both to end the era of nineteenth century music while also serving as a major influence on compositions of the twentieth century.
“It’s more than just a piece, it’s a rite of passage for an orchestra,” Katseanes told the audience.
The introduction of “The Rite of Spring” begins with one lone instrument, joined soon by other instruments in a sometimes chaotic melee of sound. The predominantly dramatic music was often juxtaposed with lines of peaceful melody.
“It has not lost anything in the last one hundred years,” Katseanes said. “It’s still fighting, powerful, and gut-wrenching.”
Audience members in the de Jong Concert Hall commented on both the quality of the orchestra and its director.
“I don’t think there could be a better orchestra at any other college,” said Ann Madsen, a professor in ancient scripture and long-time Philharmonic fan. “I pray regularly that Kory Katseanes will never leave!”
The Philharmonic Orchestra plays compositions from all musical periods, focusing on the romantic period but also including 20th- and 21st-century music. The orchestra performs from 10 to 14 concerts each year, in addition to touring throughout the western United States and collaborating with BYU's acclaimed opera, choral, and ballet departments.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is sponsored by the School of Music in the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications.