Inspiration at the Opera

By Alex McComas

The Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra, directed by Norman K. Nunamaker and made up of various community members, faculty and students of Sunderman Conservatory, performed Sunday the 12^th with guest soloist Jessica Gondwe at the Lutheran Theological Seminary Chapel. The program consisted of selections from Mozart, Brahms, Respighi, Beethoven, numerous operas, and pieces from the famous musicals, “Porgy and Bess” and “Phantom of the Opera”.

The large audience of community members and students, who were already filling the pews and balcony of the beautiful Seminary Chapel not even half an hour before the concert began, were given a truly inspired and terrific show.

With exceptional attention to expression, the audience was drawn immediately to the commanding performance of the orchestra’s first song, Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Every forte, sforzando, and crescendo was met with a flurry of bows, fingers and arms. Conversely, every soft, delicate nuance of the piece was respected, causing the resulting seesaw of tempos and volume to create a lively first number.

The rest of the concert followed suit to this grand performance, opening up the stage for the very accomplished, very learned, and very talented Jessica Gondwe. Though her laureates are many, I think the sighs of the audience in response to her spellbinding solos speak far greater than any diploma. With remarkable control, her performances of “Ave Maria,” “O mio babbino caro,” “My man’s gone now” and the astonishing finish to Webber’s “Think of me” were ultimately adored. She performed all pieces spectacularly, and with the utmost expression of grace.

More learned scholars of Beethoven and Puccini and Brahms may disagree with my opinion, for in no way do I consider myself a master of music. Perhaps there were things that were missed, rushed, or overlooked, but I certainly heard none of it. Furthermore, regardless of any mistakes that were made, and I would be slow to produce any, such experts would be bereft of their senses to suggest that this performance was anything other than a true gift to its audience, and a respectful honor to the composers mentioned.

The faculty members of Sunderman Conservatory that perform in the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra are Ed Stanley, Colleen Hartrung, Duane Botterbusch, Tim Sestrick, Anna Clair Ayoub, and Scott Crowne. Students within the orchestra are Ryan Kozak, Matthew Carlson, Katherine Trautz, Connelly Doan, and Michele Stukane.

I would suggest to readers that if the chance opens up to hear the Chamber Orchestra again, and you have some free time to spend on a pleasant afternoon, you should stop by and take in the beautiful sounds.

Like what you read here? You’re in luck! The Chamber Orchestra’s performance was filmed! Check out GBurg TV’s schedule and see if you can catch the show! Channel 34, ya’ll.