The Conway Symphony Orchestra’s expressive performance provoked a standing ovation from its audience. The CSO performed “Origin Stories: London Bridges,” featuring UCA’s own César Blas on the oboe, on March 15 in the Windgate Center Concert Hall. The concert featured three main pieces: Concerto for Oboe and Strings in A minor, “Gabriel’s Oboe” from “The Mission” and Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob. I: 104 “London.”
Izzy Getzov, the music director of the CSO and conductor for the concert, said, “When you have institutions together, both the pre-professional collegiate musicians with experienced musicians creates a meeting point. One generation influences the next.”
The collaborative experience of the CSO allows for an enriching experience for UCA students and music enjoyers alike. UCA students are able to engage and learn on a deeper level due to intergenerational collaboration.
John Parrack, CSO board of directors member and UCA professor, said, “The CSO provides UCA student musicians with the very unique opportunity to play in a professional ensemble, before a large audience, alongside professional musicians. I think this opportunity can give them insight into the process, the musical production, and even the marketing and development efforts that make it all possible.”
The CSO concert was an intimate evening that opened with a three-piece concerto. The first two pieces featured a bright oboe sole, highlighting Blas’ masterful skills. It opened with light strings with a pastoral influence and ended with a serious, sad yet passionate tone.
Getzov said the composition was “an intertwined piece with the strings and oboe.”
Blas is a Bolivian performer with BM in piano performance and an MM in oboe performance. He is the winner of UCA’s concerto competition, leading to his sole performance at the concert.
The second piece from the film “The Mission” was a short melody with moving, peaceful strings carried by the oboe’s lighthearted yet spirited performance.
Junior Hannah Dysktra said performances like these “allow you to see where you can go and all the different paths you can take, and to see other musicians grow and play and do something you love is really inspiring.”
The CSO performance closed with the longest song of the night, a symphony piece divided into four sections. The first movement displayed grand brass and wind movements in the numerous build-ups and bursts of life. Getzov was just as passionate as the piece was as he conducted the orchestra, becoming consumed with each movement.
The composition transitioned to the second section, with a softer opening balanced by intense moments. This segment is known for its comedic relief as it establishes one expectation only to break it moments later.
The third movement has a bold entrance, employing the use of strings, brass, wind and percussion to create a playful, dramatic tone. The movement’s close reflects its beginning, strongly transitioning to the final segment of the symphony.
The concert ended in a craze of musical madness as the drums’ booms were met with the strings’ folk-like harmony.
According to its website, the CSO’s mission “is to provide inspired classical music experiences for the people of Central Arkansas through performances and education.”
With the CSO’s well-established history, it has played a vital role in supporting the Conway community on multiple levels.
Parrack said, “I think that cultural activities, in general, and music specifically, add a great deal to a community. People want to live in communities that have things to do which enrich their lives, and the CSO has a 40-year history of doing just that in Conway.”
CSO encourages growth and exploration through music with its local concerts.
“I also play an instrument here at UCA. So coming to concerts is just a thing that is a part of that. They come and support me, I support them,” said Dysktra.
Parrack said, “The CSO has given me the opportunity to collaborate with a lot of talented and creative people who share a commitment to and the goal of expanding opportunities and access to orchestral music.”
The CSO developed outreach programs for the Conway School District and community. CSO in the classroom enables Musicians to interact with children at school to foster education revolving around the arts. CSO on the Go is another program that sends small ensembles out into the community, spreading the exhilaration of live orchestral music.
The next CSO event of the 40th season is the free Children’s Concert: The Three Pigs & The Wolf at the Faulkner County Library, from 3-4 p.m. April 5.