No spooks, witches, or ghosts could befoul the euphony of classical music that flooded Dana Auditorium on Halloween evening. Carmel-colored violins and cellos glistened before a packed audience who traded their costumes to hear the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (GSO) perform their “Tchaikovsky Spectacular.” To celebrate the Greensboro Symphony’s 50th anniversary, five performances of the Masterworks Series will be presented at Guilford College’s Dana Auditorium, the first of which took place this past Saturday.

While Guilford plays host to this event, it was the GSO who first contacted Guilford to reserve Dana Auditorium for these command performances.

“The acoustics are in Dana are some of the best in the area,” said the President and CEO of the GSO, Lisa Crawford. “Plus, the auditorium itself is beautiful.”

The GSO opened with Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz from Eugene Op. 24” and transfixed the audience to silence. The arrangement wove the string section smoothly together as the orchestra continued in perfect harmony, aware of only their fingers gently caressing each instrument.

GSO’s Halloween performance was a particular standout, due to the violin solos performed by world famous musician, conductor, and arranger Dmitry Sitkovetsky.

In an interview prior to the performance, Sitkovetsky said he was excited to perform in a smaller venue like Dana Auditorium.

“It is always good to have that intimacy in a performance; it allows the audience and musicians to connect on a much more personal level,” said Sitkovetsky.

As Sitkovetsky crossed the stage to join the symphony in Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, the audience again hushed and waited in eager expectation. Outbreaks of ardent cheers and applause echoed through Dana Auditorium between each piece until the culmination of the evening with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.

A total of three standing ovations, bouquets of roses, and cheers of “bravo” occurred even before intermission. Young and old alike were bedazzled by the passion displayed by the symphony.

“It was dramatic, dynamic, and intimate,” said Professor of Music Tim Lindeman. “The vitality and intensity was like a rock concert, but even better because you felt like you were in your own living room.”

“I thought it was stupendous,” said music major and junior Andrew Bracken. “We are so lucky to hear a world-class violinist on what is likely the finest violin in the world. The music was fiery and the combinations were perfect.”

One couple even traveled from Florida to witness the performance, in part to see their daughter perform with the symphony and for Sitkovetsky’s solo performances.

“Dmitry was obviously in charge,” said David Odahowski. “He never relinquished his role as conductor and soloist. When people love him, nothing can keep them away.”

As the current music director of the GSO, Sitkovetsky cultivates the growth and presides over the preparation and execution of music for the Greensboro Symphony. Crawford said that one need only peruse his hefty resume to grasp his repertoire of experience.

Not only has Sitkovetsky performed with the world’s leading orchestras, but also rewarded the position as guest conductor for orchestras in the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia.

“Dmitry is considered to be among the Russian royalty of musicians,” said Crawford. “Without a doubt, he is one of the top five violinists in the world”

Sitkovetsky hails from a dynasty of musicians in Russia, whom he states served as both an inspiration and an aspiration.

“I was destined to become a violinist,” said Sitkovetsky in a phone interview. “I learned from the great teachers of Russia, who taught at the best schools in what once was the Soviet Union.”

Upon completion of his degree at Juilliard, Sitkovetsky ventured abroad to other cities, countries, and continents. At each stop he matured as a musician, from with his career and capabilities quickly flourishing.

“My set-up here in Greensboro best suits my multi-disciplined personality,” said Sitkovetsky. “Because I am titled a distinguished visiting professor, I am able to conduct, play, and teach at UNCG and the GSO. It’s a great match.”

This was not Sitkovetsky’s first visit to Guilford. In 2003, he was a guest conductor for the Eastern Musical Festival (EMF), which Guilford hosts each summer. Based in Greensboro, the EMF continues to enrich Guilford’s reputation as a music-oriented institution.

“EMF was a great deal of excitement for me, not only because of the friendships I have developed but also the number of music lovers who attend,” said Sitkovetsky.

Lindeman encouraged students to partake in these special events that come to Guilford, especially the remaining four performances of the GSO series.

“Anytime something exciting like this comes to campus, students should attend,” said Lindeman. “You never know what may spark your interest.