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The Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert of the fall on Monday at 7:30 pm at the Myrtle Woldson Center for the Performing Arts. The concert was conducted by Gonzaga University faculty member Kevin Hekmatpanah and featured solo by husband and wife duo Jason Moody and Earecka Tregenza Moody.
The Symphony Orchestra is made up of GU students and faculty as well as members of the local Spokane community; many members of the local community are GU alumni who now perform in symphonies throughout the Inland Northwest. Conductor Hekmatpanah found that the strength of the band lies in its multi-generational composition.
“It works well because it allows us to do these magnificent jobs,” says Hekmatpanah. It’s also a way for young people [players] work with seniors [players]for the elderly [players] Inspired by young people [players]. What’s really nice is that so many students have graduated…they now play the role of community members where they used to be students. “
One such community member is soloist Moody, who also Solo with the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra in seventh grade, which means his working relationship with Hekmatpanah dates back to 1994. Moody, now a GU faculty member in the music department, talks about the benefits of being able to play with two members of the community orchestra, as well as his students.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the orchestra [Hekmatpanah] Conducting,” Moody said. “It’s so much fun, it’s always a great treat to be able to play with a full orchestra…and to be able to share the stage with most of my students…this is my first time with a major Most of the violinists are the orchestra solos of my students. “
After tuning the instruments and dimming the lights, the crowd in Myrtle Walderson was dazzled by the sound of the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra. The concert kicked off with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor. Hekmatpanah talks about the selection process behind the piece.
“It’s a very deep and intense piece, a real tour for the orchestra,” said Hekmat Paner. “I want to start the season with a great masterpiece, challenging the orchestra, and really become something special. That’s why I chose Tchaikovsky. “
Harpist Tregenza Moody’s solo stunned the crowd in Myrtle Walderson. Moody played a piece by Debussy called “Dance of the Sacred and the Profane.” Tregenza Moody’s solos are one of contrasts, ranging from quiet, contemplative serenity to grand, comprehensive crescendos.
Moody’s solo piece is Ravel’s “Zigan,” which begins with a quick musical movement. The two soloists are responsible for choosing their respective pieces. Moody talked about his reasons for choosing specific tracks.
“This piece is really fun and wild,” he said. “It’s a wild, over-the-top play. It’s really technically challenging. There are all kinds of technical hurdles, a One by one; it was a really fun interaction with the orchestra because it got the orchestra doing these fun — but also kind of weird — atmospheric effects and the orchestra was doing harmonies too, so it made a An otherworldly voice.”
At the end of the concert, the audience responded with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. A sense of victory pervaded the GU ranks as the performers and conductors cheered.
As the concert season begins, Hekmatpanah is ready to look ahead to future concerts as the crowds return even more inspiring.
“It’s great to feel like the pandemic is over,” Hekmatpanah said. “Last year was a real transition year, a rebuilding process… It was a hard year to come out of a standstill. Now I feel like the orchestra is back in a big way. The way it was before the pandemic, and hopefully the audience can come back and really have a full season…I’m really excited that this is our first season back to normal.”
Gonzaga Symphony will perform its next concert on December 5th at the Myrtle Woldson Center for the Performing Arts. Internationally renowned violinist Shlomo Mintz will perform as soloist in this concert.
Zach White is a staff writer.
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