Group to feature harpist

The sound of strings will echo through the Knutson Theatre Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. as the University of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra presents their winter concert.

They will be playing pieces highlighting each section, including one featuring guest harpist Grace Gering of Freeman, South Dakota, and another piece featuring solos by the concert master, principal cellist and principal violinist.

Professor Rick Rognstad said he is excited about the upcoming concert, having chosen one of his all-time favorite pieces to perform, “Egmont Overture” by Beethoven, a dramatic piece will begin the concert. Rognstad said he chose the opening piece for two reasons.

“Beethoven is an easy composer to get into as a classical composer, and it’s one of my all-time favorite overtures,” he said.

The other pieces will be from various composers; Corelli, Berlioz, Ravel and Berg and will feature strings, brass, harp and woodwinds, respectively.

Tim Farrell, head of the music department, said the symphony is a good opportunity for the university to interact with the community, being as community members participate in the symphony, not only by attending but playing in it as well.

“It’s a great connection to the community,” he said. “There are local symphonies in Sioux City and Sioux Falls, but this is a chance for the community to hear a full symphonic orchestra perform in Vermillion.”

Student musician, Becca Lunstrum, a junior, will play French horn in the symphony. She said she hopes the audience enjoys their performance as much as she’s enjoyed preparing for it.

“I’ve very much enjoyed preparing for this program, and I can’t wait to play it for an audience,” Lunstrum said. “After all, the point of being a musician is to enjoy every moment in music.”

“(Preparation) has been going very well because of Dr. Rognstad’s fantastic preparation and skill as a conductor and teacher.” said Lunstrum, “But because of all the music department events, tours, and such, it’s been challenging to have a rehearsal where absolutely everyone can be there.”

The students making up the symphony have been practicing two days a week since classes started in January. Rognstad said “The players are all quite accomplished” and he anticipates that the concert will go smoothly.

Something a little different about this production in particular is rather than doing a dress rehearsal the night before, the symphony will be traveling to Freeman to perform in the guest harpist’s hometown. Rognstad said he and the students are very excited about the change of pace and are glad that there’s something out of the ordinary to prepare them for the concert.

Lunstrum said she hoped people would leave the concert having experienced something “wonderfully indescribable.”