Penn Symphonic Orchestra strings to compete in National Orchestra Cup

The Penn Symphonic Orchestra strings will be performing at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York City on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the National Orchestra Cup.

The prestigious competition is open to all student orchestras throughout the United States.

“The impact of the event won't hit our musicians until they are on stage performing their music,” Penn Orchestra Instructor Anne Tschetter said. “They're performing at Lincoln Center! 

“The hard work, hours of practice, extra rehearsals and sectionals, and attention to detail have moved us to the level of being able to travel to New York and perform at Lincoln Center,” Tschetter said.  “What an amazing opportunity that will live with our students forever!”

Penn students will perform IV. Rondo, from Serenade in G, K. 525, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik", by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Adagio for Strings, by Samuel Barber; and Fugue, from Prelude and Fugue for Strings, by Vittorio Giannini.

On Friday, March 1, South Bend Symphony music director Alastair Willis, a Grammy-nominated conductor, worked with the Penn students to help them prepare for the National contest. Take a look/listen in the video below …

According to Tschetter, individual groups receive an invitation from Forte Festivals, the sponsors of the competition, when their orchestra has been recognized state-wide through participation in their state level competitions.  Beginning in 2003, Penn orchestras have participated in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Qualifier and State Finals.  Penn was approached several years ago by Forte Festivals to travel to New York and compete, but prior travel arrangements/performances prohibited Penn’s Orchestra from participating.

“We made the decision to make the National Orchestra Cup a priority for the 2018-19 school year, as our talented students are ready to take their musical skills to this national stage,” Tschetter said.  
We are so excited to take this step forward!”