AU Symphony Orchestra & Young Artist Concert

The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra is pleased to continue its annual Young Artist Concert, showcasing students that have been selected as winners of the Andrews University Department of Music’s Young Artist Competition.

The Young Artist Competition was a culmination for students of practicing their solos for months in advance, then performing them for music faculty after committing the music to memory. Many talented and deserving students auditioned, and it was a difficult process to select only five students to perform their solos with the Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 5. In alphabetical order, the 2022 Young Artist Concert will feature student soloists Betania Cañas (flute), Benie Safari Dushime (soprano), Andrew Pak (piano), Grant Steinweg (cellist and composer) and Shania Watts (viola).

For this year, it is notable how varied the winning selections are, encompassing music composed by American, French, German and Puerto Rican composers between 1845 and the present day. The more recent compositions include Roberto Sierra’s "Concerto for Viola" (2006), an "Aria" from Leonard Bernstein’s "Porgy and Bess" (1935) and the world premiere of student composer Grant Steinweg’s "Invitation" with Grant also featuring as cello soloist. Three Romantic works from the 19th Century include the "Pie Jesu" selection from Gabriel Fauré’s "Requiem," Francois Borne’s "Fantaisie brillante on Themes from Carmen," and the first movement from Robert Schumann’s iconic "Piano Concerto."

Following our six soloists, all members of the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra will join forces to perform Jules Massenet’s delightful ballet suite taken from his opera "Le Cid." The seven short selections from Massenet’s suite amount to a musical tour of Spain, exploring dances and cultural traditions taken from different regions of the country.

Program

Roberto Sierra - "Concerto for Viola, finale" - Shania Watts, viola

Gabriel Fauré - "Pie Jesu" from "Requiem" - Benie Safari Dushime, soprano

- Break -

Robert Schumann - "Piano Concerto, 1st movement" - Andrew Pak, piano

- Break -

George Gershwin - "My Man’s Gone Now" from "Porgy and Bess" - Benie Safari Dushime, soprano

Grant Steinweg - "Invitation" - Grant Steinweg, cello

Francois Borne - "Fantaisie brillante on Themes from Carmen" - Betania Cañas, flute

- Break -

Jules Massenet - Ballet Music from "Le Cid"

Andrews University Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Chris Wild

The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra is the core ensemble of the orchestral program at Andrews University. In addition to their current series at the Howard Performing Arts Center, the Symphony Orchestra travels within the Great Lakes region as well as internationally. Since 2006, the orchestra has performed in Italy, Austria, Germany, France, the Philippines and Costa Rica.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

We encourage you (our guests) to be vaccinated or have recently tested negative for COVID-19. Please self-screen for symptoms and exposures prior to attending a concert. You should not attend events if symptomatic or if you meet Health Department criteria for isolation or quarantine. Wearing of masks is encouraged.

The University is continually monitoring transmission data for the area as well as recommendations from both local and federal agencies. The University may alter mitigation protocols to address changes in risk. This could include requiring the wearing of masks/face coverings and up to canceling or postponing an event.