The Upper School Symphony and Chamber Orchestra performed in the Instrumental Solo Concert in Rugby Auditorium on Jan. 18. Students performed pieces ranging from Wang Jian Zhong’s “Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon” to “Estampes, Pagodes” by Debussy.
Chamber Orchestra violinist Will Putzer ’25 performed “When She Loved Me” in a duet with Chamber Orchestra violist Aviv Pilipski ’25. Putzer said they chose the piece to create a familiar and sentimental start to the concert.
“We knew that many listeners would not be able to recognize some of the heavier classical pieces on the program, so this was an opportunity to play a song that the audience members could love and remember,” Putzer said.
Symphony Concertmaster and Violinist Jessie Cai ’27 performed “Allegro Molto Vivace” by Mendelssohn, aiming to capture its joyful energy.
“My piece was lighthearted, so I aimed for a more playful tone,” Cai said. “I think I succeeded since I felt my performance was light and comfortable to play, compared to other heavier pieces.”
Performing Arts Teacher Neli Nikolaeva said performers bring compositions to life.
“Performers bridge the story of the composer with their talent and they bring it to the audience,” Nikolaeva said. “It’s a journey into other times and other worlds through the passion of both the composer and the creator.”
Chamber Orchestra pianist Mac Galaviz ’25 performed “Ballade No. 2” by Liszt. Galaviz said despite preparation, the piece presented challenges.
“My teacher helped me learn how to play everything properly, but since the piece was written by a virtuosic composer, I had to work through some fast passages and a few technical challenges,” Galaviz said.
Cai said the most memorable moment of the concert was the support she received after finishing her performance.
“Although I played this piece before, every performance is different and rewarding,” Cai said. “Finishing the piece at school, where there are friends who support me gave me a more satisfying feeling of accomplishment.”
Similarly, Galaviz said a highlight was the audience’s enthusiastic response.
“It was the most ecstatic an audience has been about one of my performances,” Galaviz said. “They continued to cheer after I left the stage, so I came back and bowed again. I’m always glad afterward that I can play for other people. It makes all of the practice that I do worthwhile.The piano is one of my greatest sources of pride.”
Audience member Olivia Kong ’25 said Galaviz’s performance was significantly impactful because of its complexity.
“It felt like a story being told through the piano,” Kong said. “Transitions of dramatic to lighter, delicate parts made everything feel so reflective.”
