The UNC Symphony Orchestra took center stage on October 25, presenting a captivating performance that featured works by Jean Sibelius and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The event not only showcased the talents of the student musicians but also celebrated conductor Tonu Kalam's final year before retirement. 

Kalam set the stage for the performance with an introduction to the two compositions. He characterized the pieces as "antonymous" and "contradictory," acknowledging any initial doubts surrounding both works. Kalam stated that he and the orchestra embarked on a mission to restore the essence and "reclaim" these compositions through their performance. 

The evening commenced with Sibelius's "Andante festivo," a moving piece that set the tone for the performance.

 

 

The orchestra's strings section delivered a stirring rendition of the composition, which resonated with both the performers and the audience. The concert drew a diverse crowd, including students, faculty, and community members, who were all eager to hear what the orchestra had in store.

“It’s a blessing to live in a college town,” Tom Kraska, a Chapel Hill resident and retired organist said, “This group always impresses.”

The stringed instruments hummed in perfect unison, a testament to countless hours the performers have invested. This seamless coordination between Kalam and the orchestra showcased their ability to perform the piece with unwavering confidence and unity, which captivated the audience.

As the last notes of Sibelius's piece were played, the performers exchanged smiles and words of encouragement, reflecting the strong sense of community. 

"Finding that musical community has always been really important for me and a lot of us are friends. And everyone just really enjoys the music,” said, Emily Harmon, Ph.D. candidate in the biology department and a six-year member of the orchestra.

Emotions ran high as the audience eagerly awaited the orchestra's rendition of Rachmaninoff's third symphony. The woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections joined the strings onstage as Frances Norton, the Concertmaster—first chair violinist—and a Kenan Music Scholar leads the orchestras in tuning their instruments. 

Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 3 is renowned for its complexity, making it a challenging piece. Despite lost rehearsals at the start of the semester, the orchestra, under the guidance of conductor Tonu Kalam, rose to the occasion with an undeniable air of confidence. 

"I think the orchestra's done a really good job of rising to the occasion with this one because it is a challenging piece,” said Harmon.

The performance also held personal significance for Kalam, marking his final year before retirement. His departure and the students' graduation made the evening meaningful. He remarked on its ever-changing composition, comprised of students from different walks of life – from non-music majors to graduate students, and even freshmen taking their first steps on the musical stage. 

“The beauty of this orchestra lies in its diversity and the shared love for music that transcends all differences,” said Kalam in an interview. 

The orchestra's command over Rachmaninoff's intricate score was evident from the first notes, with each section seamlessly integrating its parts into the whole. The strings soared through lush melodies, while the woodwinds brought a hauntingly beautiful quality to the performance.

 

 

Each crescendo and diminuendo were executed with impeccable timing, evoking the emotional depth of the piece. Kalam's deep connection with the music was palpable as he led the orchestra through the complex interplay of instruments. The intentionality of the performance was captivating, and the audience was motionless as the orchestra navigated the three movements of Rachmaninoff's piece. 

Norton, a long-standing orchestra member, expressed her desire to savor the moment: "This is like the last time that we all get to play this piece together, so I really want to savor it."

Community and camaraderie are at the heart of the orchestra's experience. The smaller size of the group fosters strong connections among students from various academic backgrounds.

Norton underscored the group's appeal: "I think it's just a very fun group, and everyone really enjoys the music."

Despite the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNC Symphony Orchestra has emerged even stronger. The performance served as a reminder of the powerful impact of music and community in the students' lives.

The concert concluded with the audience's standing ovation, a testament to the talent, dedication, and passionate spirit of this orchestra. This performance was a poignant moment, honoring the legacy of the orchestra and celebrating conductor Tonu Kalam's remarkable career and the resilience of the students.

As the evening concluded, the audience left the concert hall with a sense of appreciation for the musical community that Chapel Hill has harnessed. 

“It’s a world-class group. I am a season ticket holder here, I’ve seen orchestras in Philadelphia, Houston, and New York, in Carnegie Hall, and they are as good as any. Just really superb,” said Bernard Ennis, a UNC Symphony Orchestra season ticket holder and resident of Chapel Hill.