February 2018 Vol. XVIII No. 2
Providing a challenging, fully integrated music experience for the young musician because of support from
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia
people like you.
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2017-2018 Season Concerts Sundays at 4:00P.M. • March 4, May 20 • Washington Center
Maestro Welsh’s Penultimate SOGO Concert
Working with professional soloists challenges musicians to be active listeners adjusting to the subtleties of accompaniment. Conservatory Orchestra members are working on this skill as they prepare to perform Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello with Northwest artists Carrie Rehkopf and John Michel at the Washington Center on March 4. “As soloists we need the orchestra to respond to very slight tempo changes like a sports car would respond on a sharp turn, but orchestras initially respond slowly like a semi truck,” says Michel. “Fortunately, student musicians are open to change and flexible; they adapt and make incredible improvements right up to the performance!”
John Welsh with SOGO musician Drew Norton in November 2010. Read more about Drew on page two (“From all the members of SOGO past, present, and future...”).
Welsh has chosen some personal favorites for the winter SOGO concert: Respighi’s Pines of Rome and Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello.
“While beginning my first foray into orchestral literature, one of my initial discoveries was three tone poems based on Rome. I immediately fell in love with Pines of Rome. It is fast becoming a favorite of the Conservatory Orchestra.” Welsh invited Northwest artists Carrie Rehkopf, violin, and John Michel, cello, to perform the Brahms concerto. The duo are artists in residence at Central Washington University where they teach.
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In the 18 years I have had with SOGO, the students with whom I have worked have become the most important people in my life. ~ Maestro John Welsh
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“Performing with any professor gives prospective students a chance to hear someone who could be their teacher. On a musical level performing with soloists of such caliber enables them to work on a piece at a level that opens their eyes to elevated musical ideas,” says Welsh. Read more about soloists Carrie Rehkopf and John Michel at right (Sports Car on a Sharp Turn). The Conservatory Orchestra performs these favorites ― along with arrangements of works by Brahms, Beethoven, Smetana, and Rossini to be performed by the Academy and Debut Orchestras ― March 4, 4:00pm, at the Washington Center.
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Rehkopf, violin, and Michel, cello, have taught music at Central Washington University for 27 years and have eclectic careers as soloists and chamber musicians. The pair will perform this concerto again with the CWU Symphony this spring.
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As soloists we need the orchestra to respond to very slight tempo changes or rubato like a sports car would respond on a sharp turn, but orchestras initially respond slowly like a semi truck.
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“In the 18 years I have had with SOGO, the students with whom I have worked have become the most important people in my life,” reflects Maestro John Welsh as he prepares to retire at the end of the 2017-2018 concert season. “I really love being able to spread the word about music and work on music making with them.”
Like a Sports Car on a Sharp Turn
Michel explains why this piece is a good choice for students. “The orchestra parts share constantly in the dialogue with the soloists and the writing features Brahms’ rich and expressive harmonies. Because of the constant shifts of tempo and rubato, this work is a challenge for any orchestra.” Rubato is an expressive interpretation of tempo within a musical phrase. Performing with the CWU professors also gives prospective students a chance to play with someone who could one day be their professor. SOGO teaching artist and alumnus Casey Felt studied cello under Michel and says, “I learned from John Michel how to approach the cello in a more thoughtful way. John’s passion and excitement for music was inspiring. The combination of his expertise and kind, welcoming demeanor made for an impactful college experience.” Rehkopf and Michel encourage students to continue music after high school. “Music feeds the soul. Making music even more so. Our wish is that young musicians continue their music through college and beyond regardless of whether they do it professionally or avocationally.” Purchase tickets now at the Washingtoncenter.org website to hear the Conservatory Orchestra rev their engines Sunday, March 4 at 4:00pm. 1629 22nd Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501
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