Posted at http://newslink.northfulton.com/stories/alpharetta-high-schools-orchestras-thrill-audience,104920
The Alpharetta High School Orchestras played for a standing room only audience at their Spring “Pops” Concert on April 25th. Directed by Dr. Charles Laux more than 180 musicians thrilled an enthusiastic audience, starting with “De Blues” with improvisations by selected Philharmonia students. This piece was followed by the Jimi Hendix classic “Purple Haze” featuring a solo guitar riff by Philip Mantchev. Two accomplished seniors then performed, Alexis Forrest (piano) with a work by Schubert and Kelsey Johnson (viola) with piano accompaniment by Alexis Forrest on “Elegy” by Alexander Glazunov.
The Sinfonia Orchestra excelled with John Williams’ “March of the Resistance” from “Star Wars”. The audience was then brought to its feet with Dr. Laux’ arrangement for Orchestra of Guns ‘N Roses’ classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. Senior performances followed by Andrew Denis on cello with a superb interpretation of Faure’s “Elegie, Op. 24” and a charismatic rendition by Sitara Mysore on violin of Vieuxtemps’ “Concerto No.4”. These two pieces were interspersed by a vibrant and contemporary “My Shot” from the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” by Evan McVay – the audience loved it!
Taking the spotlight for the evening’s much anticipated performance by Alpharetta’s Symphony Orchestra with “Front Jam” (mandolin accompaniment by Dr. Laux, the familiar “Carmen Suite No. 1” including “Toreador Song”, and (as described by Dr. Laux) a “crazy hard” “Suite for Orchestra” from the classic film “Back to the Future”. These three pieces simply overwhelmed the fortunate audience as they rose to their feet with a standing ovation recognizing the hard work, talent and superb musical accomplishment of Alpharetta High School’s Symphony Orchestra.
But as all good things must come to an end, the combined Orchestras – some on stage, some standing throughout the venue – once again brought the audience to their feet with continuous and enthusiastic applause and cheers with their signature performance of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, concluding an evening of wonderful performances, brilliantly performed by the talented musicians of the AHS Orchestras and featured soloists under the direction of their instructor, Dr. Charles Laux.
Article written by Ed Svitil, AHSOA Publicity Chair