Masterworks: A Night to Remember
photo provided by the Fine Arts Department
The concert took place on February 5, 2022 in the PAC.
In the heat of the moment, a stage glistens with pride and transforms into the most mystical and euphoric journey one can imagine. Along for the ride, the audience is swept under its captivating trance and soared to enchanting heights. This is the experience that the fine arts department delivered in their Masterworks concert rightfully titled: “The Dream of Flight.”
Masterworks is a performance which is meant to unite and showcase the talents of the fine arts department and involves choir, orchestra, band, and theater. The specific groups featured included the Sinfonia Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Chorale, and the Wind Symphony. With the fine arts department often being overshadowed, this was the perfect opportunity for them to join forces and display their growth and artistry.
Esteemed and world renowned guest conductor Larry Livingston conducted the ensemble with enthusiasm and precision. Freshman orchestra performer Angela Cui was inspired by his leadership throughout the whole process.
“Larry Livingston emphasized the importance of living every moment to the fullest, chasing any dreams that you have, serving as a role model for all of us in the orchestra,” Cui said. “I was moved by his over-the-top passion for music, and this experience made me realize the importance and power of music.”
“The Dream of Flight” was a theme meant to capture art about flying and serve as a new chapter for the fine arts. The theme bloomed out of discovering the piece, Sogno di Volare, by Christopher Tin, which is a literal translation from Italian to A Dream of Flight. This was chosen as the finale to tie up the patchwork, where every group got to perform together- a rare occasion for everyone involved. Sophomore Chorale member Oindrilla Guha recalls this moment as one of the most anticipated parts of the show.
“Being able to perform with the band and orchestra always makes the experience more enjoyable because it provides more depth to the music, which can’t be achieved only from a choir,” Guha said. “Also, the music was from a video game, so it sounded epic. Plus, we got a surprise video from the composer, Christopher Tin- which was really cool.”
Another instance of the theme being embedded in the show was the homage to the blockbuster hit E.T., and its iconic flying bike scene. Jenna Lee, another member of the orchestra, resonated with and found this concept to be memorable for herself and viewers alike.
“My favorite part of the performance was the flying theme from E.T. [because it] was confident and uplifting in its articulation carried [out] by the full orchestra,” Lee said. “There are times when the theme evokes a sense of wonderment, propelled by the strings and horn declarations.”
However, through the awkward paradoxes of Texas weather, the students were met with adversity when it came down to canceling important rehearsals- bending busy schedules and dropping chased after time. Desiree Overree (more commonly known as Ms. O), the orchestra director, loved watching her performers’ dedication and passion soak through more than ever.
“The kids dropped everything to make this happen,” Overree said. “I think I’m proud of that more than anything else, [in being] willing to just set aside their personal schedules and personal needs, and [being] selfless in their pursuit of art- which is what we were creating.”
Additionally, theater hopped on the train by joining Masterworks this year. They presented beautifully executed scenes from the musical, “Come from Away.” This musical exudes warmth, hope, and renewed comfort in the midst of its plot about being stranded by a plane- taking place right after 9/11. What made the performance more special was that it was almost completely student directed.
On the other hand, Mariana Perez, a flute player of the Wind Symphony, has been a passionate member of band, always putting her best effort into everything she does. For her, the little moments enclosed within the show made the hours of rehearsals worth it.
“It all came crashing down when it was time to play E.T. because I accidentally got out the wrong sheet music,” Perez said. “I was scrambling to find my music the second we got some rests. Wrong piece, again. My friends had taken notice of my ridiculous situation, and between desperation and laughter, I was able to play the rest of the piece by eyeing the sheet music of the person next to me. When the piece was over, we all looked at each other and started chuckling.”
Whether on the stage or among the sea of audience, everyone felt something that night of Masterworks. A sense of inspiration that trickled through proud family and friends. A sense of community sparked among the performers. And a feeling of happiness that it all paid off.
“There’s a lot of joy [in] being able to stand back and watch students continue to reach greater heights,” Overree said.
