Students of the Suzuki Violin Program at Westminster Conservatory will perform with the Westminster Community Orchestra in a concert titled “Violins and More!” on Saturday, May 2.
The Westminster Community Orchestra is set to present its “Violins and More!” concert on Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m. The concert will take place at Princeton Meadow Church and Event Center located at 545 Meadow Road in West Windsor.
The program will feature Turina’s Danzas fantásticas, Op. 22; Salzedo’s Rumba for Two Harps; Glinka’s Russian Sailor’s Dance; Brahms’ Hungarian Dances Nos. 1, 5 and 21; Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor, RV 356; and favorites from the Suzuki violin repertory.
Now in her tenth season as conductor and music director of the Westminster Community Orchestra, Ruth Ochs has led the orchestra in performances of major orchestral and choral-orchestral works, including symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. Under her leadership, the orchestra continues to feature choral ensembles and soloists from the Westminster Conservatory and to collaborate with Westminster Choir College students in piano concerto concerts and readings of new music. She is also the founding conductor of the Princeton Charter School/Westminster Conservatory Youth Orchestra and she is in her 13th season as the conductor of the Princeton University Sinfonia.
Ms. Ochs holds degrees in Music and Orchestral Conducting from Harvard University and the University of Texas at Austin, and she is completing her Ph.D. in Musicology at Princeton University. She is currently a lecturer in the Princeton University Department of Music.
Now in its 28th season, the Westminster Community Orchestra is known for performances that showcase the artistry, commitment and passion of a true community ensemble. The group presents popular programs noted for their diverse repertoire and widespread appeal. Members are professional and gifted amateur musicians from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They come from all walks of life but share a common goal: the desire to make wonderful music for themselves and their community.
The Suzuki method stresses the development of ability through the “mother tongue” approach, which emphasizes learning through listening, imitation, repetition, games and practice with the teacher, parent and student working as a team. In Westminster Conservatory Suzuki Violin Program students attend a private lesson and group class each week. Group classes are a very important aspect in that they stimulate interest, reinforce musical and technical development, and provide opportunities for performance.
General admission for “Violins and More!” is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information call (609) 921-7100 ext. 8355 or visit rider.edu/arts.
