Maryland Symphony Orchestra Comes to FSU

On Sunday, November 11, the Cultural Events Series (CES) hosted a sold out concert of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra in the Pealer Recital Hall. The CES is Frostburg State’s professional programming series that brings quality national and international performers to campus.

The performance of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, falling on Veterans Day, began with a beautiful and powerful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that brought tears to many of the audience members’ eyes. The performance showcased three different pieces, with an intermission in the middle of the hour and a half concert. Ms. Elizabeth Schulze, Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s music director, conducted the group throughout the captivating performance.

“Coronation Mass, K.317” composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the first piece performed by the orchestra. The piece is comprised of 6 movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. Four principal vocalists were featured at the front of the stage, while members of Frostburg’s music department were featured on risers behind the orchestra. An interesting exchange between the principal vocalists, the orchestra, and the choir occurred throughout the performance, leaving many in awe at the energy coming from the stage.

“Bassoon Concerto in B-Flat Major, K.191” also composed by Mozart was the second piece the orchestra performed that afternoon. The piece, comprised of 3 movements: Allegro, Andante ma Adagio, and Rondo: tempo di menuetto, featured a single bassoon soloist, Erich Heckscher, who enchanted the audience with his smooth runs and amazing range on his instrument. Following the performance of this piece, an intermission occurred. Members of the choir were outside in the lobby  and were very excited that they were able to conclude their Western Maryland tour with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra at their home away from home.

Following intermission, the orchestra added a flute and two French horns to the ensemble, to perform the piece entitled “Symphony, No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485” by Franz Shubert. This piece included four movements: Allegro, Andante con Moto, Mennuetto– Allegro molto, and Allegro vivace.  The orchestra was especially in sync for this movement, which left the audience captivated at the way people could make such beautiful and lively music.

The enthusiasm and energy that the orchestra and conductor displayed on stage was absolutely mesmerizing and took the audience to another place. The performance truly told a story through the lively and energetic music that was not only played, but performed on stage.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra began their two-date tour of “Immortal Mozart and Shubert’s Fifth Symphony” at The Maryland Theater in Hagerstown and closed with the Sunday afternoon performance in Pealer.

The Cultural Events Series has many more performances planned for the 2018-2019 academic year. Check out CES’s website to find out what amazing performances are coming to Frostburg soon!