On Nov. 7, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra visited the University, where they led masterclasses for music students and performed at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Four masterclasses were held on the day of the performance taught by CSO musicians Principal Viola Teng Li, acting Associate Principal Trombone Michael Mulcahy, Assistant Principal Clarinet John Bruce Yeh and cellist Brant Taylor. During these workshops, students played pieces they prepared for their peers and the CSO musicians. The musicians then gave feedback to the students and suggested ways to improve their musicality.
“When I was a student, I had a lot of guidance and people who are accomplished musicians who were willing to help and guide me and give me free lessons and support,” Li said. “I felt so much support from older musicians. So when I became a symphonic musician in the orchestra, I felt like it was important to give back to the next generation so I could help guide them and share my experiences.”
Li said visiting the University and working with students impacted her, looking into that night’s audience for the students she met earlier that day.
The masterclass had a similar effect on violist Kun Yan, a graduate student studying viola performance and literature at the University.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
“Having the masterclass with Teng Li before the concert just made me feel a little closer to the CSO, this living music legend,” Yan said in an email interview. “Knowing her standards as a musician, through this concert, I believe she has demonstrated how much energy and music she has brought to the viola section as the principal, which is eye-opening.”
Only a few hours after the conclusion of the masterclasses, the CSO took to the stage at Foellinger Great Hall. Although the performance was listed to start at 7:30 p.m., KCPA staff stopped letting audience members in at 7:25 p.m., which created arguments between ticket holders shy of entering and KCPA staff. Those who showed up minutes too late were asked to wait to enter until the end of the first piece, the overture to “Don Pasquale.”
Following the first piece was Verdi’s “The Four Seasons” from “I vespri siciliani.” The musicians’ energy was evident as they masterfully played through the distinct movements of the piece.
CSO Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti created a lively atmosphere with his passion for the music and ability to relate to the audience. He began “The Four Seasons” but immediately stopped, telling the audience he wasn’t ready for the orchestra to start playing. The audience responded with a smattering of laughter.
The piece ended in a flourish that garnered a standing ovation from the audience despite only concluding the first half of the performance.
The powerful climax of the performance occurred just after intermission with the suite from “Megalopolis,” which marked the world premiere of the collection.
The piece was composed by Osvaldo Golijov for the film “Megalopolis” which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and debuted in theaters in September, according to a CSO press release.
The opportunity to hear the premiere of the suite was what drew in some of the crowd.
“I come here a lot, and I was excited because there was music here that I didn’t know at all, and it was just great fun,” said audience member Cecile Steinberg.
The final movement ended on an electrifying note, which the audience responded with thundering applause. Their cheering only increased as Golijov ran on stage to embrace Muti. Golijov received his applause with a bow, leading to a standing ovation for the group.
Once the audience settled, the orchestra picked back up with “España,” composed by Emmanuel Chabrier.
To conclude the night’s performance, the CSO played Suite No. 2 from “The Three-Cornered Hat.” The unique piece ended with “Final Dance,” which perfectly encapsulated the night’s energy and success.
Following the conclusion of “Final Dance,” the audience stood again for one last ovation, commending the orchestra for their musicianship.
In addition to hosting performances such as this, the KCPA provides a connection between the Champaign-Urbana community and the CSO that is normally inaccessible for many community members and students.
“I think it’s good for the orchestra to see what’s out there in the world and to meet people who may not be used to hearing them, and I think it fine-tunes a lot of what they can play and enjoy,” Steinberg said. “For the University, it’s just wonderful that that auditorium was filled with students who may have never heard a symphony orchestra before, and here, they are hearing the best.”
