SEISO confidently performs admid uncertain future

MT. PLEASANT — In the midst of uncertainty with their home-base, Iowa Wesleyan University closing at the end of May, the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra (SEISO) performed their finale show in the Iowa Wesleyan University Chapel, Sunday evening.

“This is, of course, kind of a very sweet event for us as the last concert for us under the auspices of Iowa Wesleyan University,” SEISO Music Director and Conductor Robert McConnell said. “It's hard to imagine that it won't continue as a community center of some kind, and that's what we're hoping for. Nobody really knows much now. So at any rate, we appreciate you being here tonight.”

Following packed shows in Burlington and Ottumwa, the SEISO saw the balcony of the chapel fill to nearly full as they took the stage.

Remaining consistent with SEISO performances, McConnell took the opportunity to educate his audience about the music they would perform.

Before each piece McConnell took the time to show specific sections of music to the audience and explain their significance.

“As listeners, we like things that are familiar,” McConnell said. “It’s tough to learn new pieces … so, I like to present [parts of the song].”

“This is part of what this orchestra does when we go out on school tours and kids concerts, and it’s trying to make music more special,” he said.

Additionally, he encouraged attendees to read their program notes which gave further insight into the music and the musicians which created it.

Beginning with a piece from Lili Boulanger, McConnell explained how her music commonly conveyed themes of deep darkness thanks to her experiences ministering to her friends and soldiers that had been gassed and wounded in World War I.

“That had to be very dark,” McConnell said. “But this piece is different. She writes in a French Impressionistic style.”

The piece D’un Matin DE Printemps/Song of Spring showed a lovely, almost playful side of Boulanger.

The symphony then performed “Air” by Johann Sebastian Bach arranged by Stokowski in honor of former Principal Cellist Donna Nelson.

“She was a wonderful, warm human being,” McConnell said.

Additionally, the symphony presented Violist Artist-in-Residence Dominique Archambeau as she played the “Viola Concerto in G Minor” by Cecil Forsyth.

Archambeau took McConnell’s lead and explained a little about the piece saying that she appreciated the composer’s understanding of the volume limitations of the viola.

“I don’t have to compete with the orchestra,” she said and explained how the orchestra would take turns with her throughout the piece.

Archambeau commented on her time educating students throughout the area about music in her time as an ambassador for SEISO.

“I have had a great time going into the community these last two weeks,” she said. “I've had a lot of fun with the kids and going to the schools and all the clubs around here. So thank you for entrusting me with such a big responsibility and igniting the fire in kids.”

After a brief intermission the symphony returned to the extended chapel stage to challenge the audience with a completely new musical number for their company.

According to McConnell, the Rite to Spring, is a highly controversial piece written by Igor Stravinsky in 1913.

At the premier of this song with a ballet company in Paris, riots ensued due to the carnal nature of the ballet based on the pagan ritual of selecting a young woman as a sacrifice.

While McConnell explained the first half as a scene in which many young women danced around, it is the second half that sparked controversy.

“The second half is relatively creepy and scary about you're preparing to choose a girl from your area,” he said. “It's like a game of musical chairs, except they're in this circle dance, and the first one that's out twice is the winner, or in this case, the loser.”

McConnell encouraged the musicians to play a number of examples to help the audience follow the story as they went along.

With many moments that built to intensity, then relaxed, and built again, the musical piece kept concertgoers on the edges of their seats as they traveled along an emotional roller coaster.

When the final note rang out, the audience stood to their feet not in protest or angst, but in appreciate for the effort, beauty, and music they just enjoyed thanks to the SEISO.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com