On Friday May 5, the La Canada High School orchestra held its last and biggest concert of the year, the Concerto Concert, in Lanterman Auditorium.
The show featured seven soloists playing a wide variety of music. Junior Sharon Kim began the program with her interpretation of Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto in A minor, followed by Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E flat Major duet performed by freshmen Sequoia Sugiyama and Lawrence Cheng. Junior Isaac Jin impressed the audience with his dramatic “Hungarian Rhapsody” by Popper and senior David Cho played a melodic flute concerto by Mercadante. Junior Jonwei Hwang played “Por Una Cabeza”, a violin arrangement for a tango written by Carlos Gardel, which ended with a surprise flare as the orchestra tossed roses into the audience. Junior Justin Yew finished the program with the more modern Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3.
After the performances, special recognition was given to the soloists and music directors as well as the seniors in the orchestra and band. Flowers were presented and warm applause filled the auditorium.
“It was fun and I enjoyed it,” David Cho said regarding his performance. In “the first part, I was nervous, and I kind of messed up, but it got better towards the end. I personally thought the orchestra did a good job and I thank them for playing for me.”
The performance left a positive impression upon parents.
“I’m always amazed at the quality and level of everyone’s skills,” said Sally Tokeshi, whose son is a violinist in the orchestra. “They sound so professional and I’m always proud to invite my friends over to their concerts.”
Students also came to support the orchestra as well, and were equally pleased with the results.
“I knew they were good, but I didn’t know what it would sound like,” said Jason Fujikuni. “I really liked it.”
The night was a success, which music director Jason Stone described as “fantastic, and a lot of fun”.
“The soloists were great, and the orchestra as well,” commented Stone. “There was lots of hard work put into it, but it was awesome.”
