Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra Performs in Christ Chapel
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The College Symphony Orchestra performed in Christ Chapel on Feb. 25. The orchestra, directed by Professor of Music James A. Holleman, performed the world premiere of a symphony by composer Andrew Maxfield titled “Every Leap is Faith.” The performance was commissioned by the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University. “The college was honored to work with Andrew Maxfield,” said Holleman. “He is a talented composer, and I am proud of our orchestra students for their hard work and dedication to bringing this new piece of music to life.”
“Every Leap is Faith” has three movements: Seek, Winnow, and Leap. “As I composed these three movements, I reflected on three ideas that have been useful to me and which I’d like to transmit to my kids,” said Maxfield. “Beyond my religious conviction and feelings, I think of faith as a principle of action: we wouldn’t act at all if we didn’t believe in the possibility of outcomes.” The orchestra also performed Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, op. 30.
Hillsdale’s orchestra is a full-instrumentation college symphony orchestra that performs an advanced standard repertoire inspired by sacred music. Any student with sufficient musical skill may become an orchestra member via audition or recommendation of the college’s music studio teachers. Performances often feature faculty, student, and guest soloists.
The orchestra’s next performance is on May 12, at 8:15 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The concert is free to attend, but ticket reservations are required. Email [email protected] or call 517-607-2848 for further ticket information.
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