Anyone who has grown up with some connection to popular culture would instantly recognize Rossini’s rousing overture that began Greensboro Symphony Orchestra’s Jan. 22 performance held in Dana Auditorium.
The program, aptly named “Roman Holidays,” was a performance of works by four classical composers, all of whom were strongly influenced by the Italian style.
“Hopefully it will do us some good to think of Italy in this cold winter weather,” said Aaron Allen, assistant professor of musicology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, in a discussion held in Dana’s Moon Room before the show.
With true levity, the melodies evoked passion and humor in equal measure.
“The music is fast-moving, fast-changing, and incredibly light,” said Dmitry Sitkovetsky, the orchestra’s renowned conductor. Sitkovetsky turned to conducting after years as a highly accomplished concert violinist.
“I knew that if I had any talent for the profession, I could make a bigger difference in more people’s lives as a conductor than a musician,” said Sitkovetsky.
The highlight of the evening was Yura Lee’s performance of Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1. “The Paganini piece is really hard, outrageously hard,” said Professor of Music Tim Lindeman. “A normal violinist wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot-pole because it is so hard. But it isn’t hard for Yura Lee.”
Lindeman reviewed Lee when she first performed with GSO 12 years ago, at the age of 13.
“She is a magnificent musician,” said Lindeman. “She’s one of those child prodigies you read about.”
Watching Lee perform is almost as thrilling as hearing the sounds she draws out of her 223-year-old violin, which also originated in Italy. Her fingers traveled up and down the neck of the violin with hummingbird speed to play music that was at once poignant and crystalline. At times she rose on her toes, and in other moments bent deeply at the knees, lunging suddenly into the music. When she paused to breathe, the violin rested on her shoulder like an extension of her body as she wiped sweat from her hands onto her dress.
Lee was not the only musician heating up.
“The many fast-paced pieces require physical endurance,” said Julianne Odahowski, a violinist for GSO. “It’s a real workout.”
The lively and joyful music invigorated the audience, many of whom came from off-campus for the event.
“It’s always an enjoyable experience playing in Dana,” said Odahowski. “It’s a beautiful hall with great acoustics, and the concerts are usually very well-attended.”
Heather Scott, a sophomore music major, ushered for the event.
“It’s great to have an excuse to get all dressed up,” said Scott. “It makes the music come alive to see it in the social atmosphere.”
Lindeman recommends that everyone experience an orchestra performance at least once.
“I treat it like a sociological event,” Lindeman said. “It’s something that is important for a significant amount of people. If you have never been to a football game, you should go to one of those, too.”