Friday, February 7, 2014 marked the second of three “Sistema Side by Side” performances organized by the Longy School of Music for selected students. Twelve of our Dudamel Orchestra members joined over forty student musicians from various El Sistema programs across the state. Playing “side by side” with the Longy Orchestra, this combined orchestra of nearly seventy musicians resounded through Sander’s Theatre at Harvard.
The program, featuring guest conductor President of Bard College, Leon Botstein, began with the triumphant Finale to Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and concluded with Bizet’s Farandole that brought the audience to their feet! Resident Artist, Chris Schroeder joined a team of teaching artists from all the sending programs who coached the students over the coarse of three Saturdays leading up to Friday’s concert. “From a wind player’s perspective, so much of the work Sistema students do within their nucleos are focused on ensemble playing, with many playing one part. The ‘Side by Side’ experience provided students with a unique opportunity to develop true orchestral playing skills, with each player responsible for their own part,” said Schroeder.
In March, this orchestra will reunite for three more rehearsals in preparation for their final performance on March 22nd conducted by Gustavo Dudamel at MIT’s Kresge Hall.
