If you’ve ever wondered what it might have felt like to live during the Bridgerton time period, ever felt as though you missed out on the time’s beautiful music and art, ever wished to capture a glimpse of that, you no longer have to look any further.
HHS Orchestra’s concert December 10 2024 held in the Hillsborough High School Auditorium was a perfect encapsulation of this feeling. Everything from the way the ensemble filled the room with a mesmerizing performance to the environment that was perfectly lit to shine a much deserved spotlight on the group, was perfect.
Four different groups played that night: the Freshman Orchestra, the Concert Orchestra, the Chamber Ensemble, and the Symphonic Orchestra. To start off the Freshman Orchestra played “Shaker Fantasia” arranged by Elliot Del Borgo. Then the concert flawlessly transitioned to the “Relic” by Erik Morales played by the Concert Orchestra. Next, by the Chamber Ensemble was “Allegro” from Quartet No. 4 by W. A. Mozart. A special mention is necessary for how well the entire ensemble executed this complex piece. Finally, the Symphonic Orchestra played three pieces to end the night: “Fleetwing” by Doug Spata, “Air & Dance” by M.L. Daniels and “Solaris” by Cooper Ford. Once again, all three left the entire crowd in awe with these musicians incredible talent.
A parent in the audience, Pallavi Sreeram, who has observed the ensemble over the years said, “I’ve seen the progression from middle school to high school, so I can see how well they have grown and gotten better, it sounds really nice.” Even those in the audience who had only attended a few orchestra concerts or maybe only this once, could easily assume that the entire ensemble must have put an immense amount of hard work into reaching the level at which they stand today. A HHS junior also present in the audience, Mahathi Manikandanm, said, “I think they did exceptionally well. I’m really proud of them.”
As someone who was recently impressed by the HHS Theatres magnificent fall play, I can confidently say I am once again left speechless by another HHS production, this time delivered by the HHS Orchestra. Before this school year, I had never attended one of the high school’s art performances before and am finally beginning to see what I have missed out on all along.
