On Wednesday, Oct 16, Palatine High School’s Orchestra Program will be performing their various pieces in the Fall Concert, including Beethoven’s 6th symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

The event will be held in PHS’s auditorium at 7:00 pm where all three levels of orchestra, Concert, Philharmonic, and Symphony, will be performing, directed by Mrs. Pham, as well as Concert Band in a combined feature piece, Millenium conducted by Mr. Esquivel.

The pieces being performed vary greatly in terms of their time periods written and stylistic qualities. The Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture was composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1880, based off Shakespeare’s play and is designed as a symphonic poem in sonata form. The audience will hear three main themes, starting with a choral-like introduction representing Friar Laurence, an agitated theme illustrating the warring Capulets and Montagues, and the the love theme expressing Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting on the balcony. The challenging piece has come a long way since the beginning of the year and the students are excited to share this piece of art with everyone.

“It’s impressive to see how much we have grown as musicians,” Jennifer Ramos, senior at PHS, said. “It’s amazing that we are still capable of playing music from centuries ago.”

In contrast with the story driven nature of the Fantasy Overture, Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing the first movement to Beethoven’s 6th symphony, commonly known as the ‘Pastoral Symphony.’ The Allegro ma non troppo captures a very lighthearted and cheerful spirit, reflective of Beethoven’s long walks in the country outside of Vienna and deep love for nature.

The program will be topped off with a rich combined number including all three orchestras and featuring concert band, Millennium by Richard Meyer. This piece withholds many cinematic like qualities, moving from a grand trumpet solo, to a heroic theme accompanied by the orchestra. Lyrical moving melodies are introduced by the cello section towards the middle of the piece, followed by a grand finale.

“It’s always exciting when we can work together across ensembles and it’s a good leadership opportunity to show the underclassmen what a full orchestra sounds like.” Katherine Jefferson, senior at PHS, said.

With music to capture everyone’s ear, this concert is not one to miss. Come join your local pirates for a spectacular music making event!