The Nauvoo Orchestra capped off its 2024-2025 season with a Spring Symphonic Concert on Saturday, March 22, at the Nauvoo Discovery Program Center (formerly Christ Lutheran Church), drawing a packed house at 1110 Ripley St., Nauvoo.
Maestra Alissa Wakefield, introduced each of the evening's eight classical pieces with engaging stories that enriched the audience’s understanding.
Highlights of the Concert:
March of the Meistersingers: This piece conveys a poignant love story, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its romantic narrative.
Tarantella: This lively piece, inspired by a tarantula bite, embodies the frantic energy of a dance, featuring a cello solo by Alissa Wakefield.
Ballad for Orchestra: A story about love and life: boy meets girl, they fall in love, marry, create and raise children together, life gets complicated, and then they are alone together again. A musical theme of love is woven throughout.
Amadeus!: This piece depicts a musical duel between Mozart and Salieri, brought to life through the contrasting sounds of violins and cellos. A battle of innovation versus tradition. Who won?
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5: This complex work brutally panned in the press upon its U.S. debut, described by one reviewer as “a horde of demons struggling in a torrent of brandy.” The audience that night seemed to have a more favorable opinion of the piece.
Polichinelle: Carol Conrad played this whimsical tribute to the classic Punch and Judy puppets, this piano piece added a playful touch to the concert.
Telemann Viola Concerto: Jim Fageol’s (viola) masterful rendition of four movements from the Telemann Viola Concerto captivated the audience, showcasing his virtuosity.
The evening culminated in a dramatic finale: Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, an orchestral piece set during a Philistine feast in celebration of their victory over the mighty Samson. The electrifying performance brought the audience to its feet, though fortunately, it did not quite “bring the house down.”
The Nauvoo Orchestra thrives on the generosity of the community and the dedication of its volunteer musicians and board members. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Orchestra relies completely on donations, with all funds going directly to cover expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible, and to support this invaluable cultural institution, you can send your donations to Linda Carroll, Treasurer, Nauvoo Orchestra, 2405 Knight St., Nauvoo, Ill., 62354.
Nauvoo and Hancock County are fortunate to have such an enriching musical ensemble. Watch these pages for updates on future concerts!
