On August 8th, 2020, the scene at First Lutheran Church here in Tacoma wasn’t quite bustling, but it was certainly buzzing in preparation. One by one, students entered the sanctuary, masked and dressed to perform. Hand sanitizer was another staple of the performances. Despite the new setup, and no audience due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Orchestral Recital Series of Tacoma performers played some incredible music alongside talented pianists, who supplied the orchestral lines a full orchestra might have played. Overall, the performances (and two rehearsals!) were full of exuberance and determination, not to mention social distancing.
ORS wishes to thank everyone involved with the virtual recitals, in particular the guidance of Music Director Paul Twedt, our volunteers manning the doors, our two collaborative pianists, the performers who enthralled us with music, their families and friends who supported them, and everyone else who made this possible. Twenty-two student soloists performed at our recital series, adhering to Washington State’s COVID-19 guidelines. What follows is a sample of performances by these remarkable soloists. Enjoy!
Olivia Noh, violinist and student of Maria Sampen, performs the first movement, Allegro non troppo, of Edouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole with collaborative pianist Jinshil Yi.
Annabelle Chang, pianist and student of Kristina Henckel and Paul Twedt, performs the first movement, Allegro, of Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in D Minor with collaborative pianist Jieun Yun.
An ORS student pianist performs Dennis Alexander’s Fanfare Toccata/Rondo with collaborative pianist Jinshil Yi.
Enzo Zhao, pianist and student of Oksana Ejokina, performs the third movement, Rondo – Allegro scherzando, of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 15 with collaborative pianist Jieun Yun.