Symphony to perform in Aalfs

Director of the University of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Richard Rognstad is hoping to have a successful fall concert after rehearsing for the entire first half of the semester.

The USD Symphony Orchestra, comprised of the string orchestra and a wind section, will perform their free fall concert in the Aalfs Auditorium Oct. 23 at 3 p.m.

Rognstad said the orchestra has about 60 members and plays four concerts a year.

The music for the fall concert is all from American composers Rognstad said, which include the songs “Romance,” “Elegie” and “De Porto Rico” as well as a piece from the

musical “West Side cool.”

Senior bass player Katherine Matthews said she likes the music because it is different.

“When we filled out our performance evaluations for (Rognstad) we had the opportunity to request songs for this concert,” Matthews said. “This music is unique because it has a Spanish feel to play.”

To prepare for concerts, Matthews said the orchestra practices in sectionals

sometimes.

“We practice specific pieces so we can get a feel for the songs,” Matthews said. “Sometimes, we spend time on intonation and discuss questions we have about the work.”

Reach reporter Emily Niebrugge at [email protected]