MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Symphony Orchestra's Dec. 10 concert was extraordinarily well done.
The orchestra, made up of students apparently recruited from throughout the world (Romania, Mexico, Ecuador, the Philippines, as well as Illinois and the Midwest), played professionally three difficult but georgeous pieces, one with a world class guest pianist, Michael Lewin.
In the intimate setting of COFAC Recital Hall with its excellent accoustics, the orchestra, conducted by faculty member Richard Hughey, played Schubert's Overture in D Major, D 590; Symphony No, 97 in C Major, Hob. 1/97 by Haydn, and with Lewin, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19.
Lewin was fabulous -- a brilliant pianist, worthy of his international reputation.
This concert was very high quality, an event that would garner $75 tickets or more in Chicago or New York. But it was free.
Students who play at this level have loads of talent as well as discipline. Close your eyes and you would never believe these are college students. But their youth and enthusiasm plus their professionalism, from their playing to their formal dress, made for a lovely concert.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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