Orchestra Extravaganza Delights Audience

3/16/2012

Portions of this article contributed by Jamie Dalgleish, '13

Earlier this week all the orchestras of Dwight-Englewood came together to perform in the annual Dwight-Englewood School Orchestra Extravaganza. Ensembles featured in the program included the Lower School Strings Program, Middle School String Ensemble, Middle School Wind Ensemble, Upper School Strings, and Upper School Orchestra.

First on the program were the Lower School musicians, directed by D-E Performing Arts faculty member Kimberly Syvertson.  The ensemble performed Lightly Row, and Zum Gali Gali, both folk songs; and Mozart's Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, with harmony. They were followed by the Upper School (US) Strings, who played St. Paul Suite, Op. 29 No. 2 IV Finale (The Dargason) by Gustav Holst.

After a brief interval, the Middle School (MS) String Ensemble, led by D-E Performing Arts Faculty member Annaliesa Place, performed Water Music I Entrée, and Music for the Royal Fireworks II Minuet and Trio, both by George Frideric Handel. The MS Wind Ensemble took over after the strings, bringing the audience Appalachian Suite, arranged by Paul Murtha; and Great Movie Adventures, music by John Williams and arranged by Michael Sweeney.

John Littlefield, Chair of the D-E Performing Arts Department, lastly led the US Orchestra in Symphony No. 9, Op. 95 “New World” III Scherzo by Antonin Dvorak; and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Op. 84. After the performances, there was a lovely reception generously provided by the parent group FOTA (Friends Of The Arts) of the D-E Parents' Association.  

Littlefield congratulated all of the musicians for their commitment leading up to the concert and memorable performances.  Based on the enthusiastic audience response, all agreed that it was a lovely evening featuring accomplished players and deftly-executed pieces.