Though the heat was nearly stifling in Hill Hall Auditorium on Tuesday evening, it did not hinder the UNC Symphony Orchestra from giving an excellent performance worthy of a standing ovation.
Conducted by Tonu Kalam, the symphony performed the "Overture to Nabucco" by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi and "Symphony No. 6" -- also known as "Pastoral" -- by Beethoven, a German composer.
UNCSO captured the audience within the first few minutes of the show and held it throughout the evening.
The overture was a wonderful opening piece, especially for those hearing it for the first time. The music was powerful, energetic and at times defiant, scoffing at the poor acoustics of the auditorium.
Even more impressive was the performance of "Pastoral." The piece was especially difficult for the woodwinds, but they captured Beethoven's idyllic sound so effortlessly that one might have thought birds were nesting in the auditorium.
Listening for the intonation is especially difficult in this selection, said Kathleen Budny, a senior music performance major and the principal clarinet of the UNCSO. But the musicians solved that problem and mastered the challenging solos of "Pastoral," making for an amazing concert.
Upon being heard with eyes closed, the sound equalled that of any professional symphony orchestra. The musicians were poised and prepared -- their polished sound reflected many nights of work.
Budny said she practices about 20 hours a week on her own, in addition to 12 hours with the group. She also plays in the Wind Ensemble and University Chamber Players.
Trevor Cangelosi, a junior philosophy major, agrees that practice can be time-consuming. Having played the viola for eight years, he spends about five hours a week with the UNCSO.
