Student Orchestra Captivates at Fall Concert

On a brisk and blustery Sunday afternoon, students and faculty made their way across the wind-swept New England campus to St. Frassati Student Center to enjoy the Thomas Aquinas College Orchestra’s first concert of the year.

Conducted by Donovan Carlson (’28), the student musicians performed a lovely selection of Bach, Haydn, and Mozart, as well as an original piece by cellist Mara Cloutier (’27). The concert began with Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, followed by Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major. “Both pieces were so much fun to play,” said violinist Elya Schumann (’29). “The Haydn was especially nice because I had a pretty simple part and could just enjoy listening to the cello.” 

Mara Cloutier, a junior this year and the head of the orchestra, composed and performed a beautiful cadenza to accompany the Haydn concerto. Mara has been a cellist for eight years, and the cadenza was her first original work.

Following this novel piece, the concert concluded with Mozart’s timeless Divertimento in D Major, including all three movements. As the Divertimento’s “Presto” came to a resounding close, the audience all rose and gave the orchestra a well-deserved standing ovation. 

Afterward, all mingled about the room, discussing the pieces and the performance over homemade desserts and hot coffee. “My jaw fell to the ground when I heard Mara’s original cadenza,” exclaimed Lucianna Umaña (’27). “It fit perfectly with the rest of the piece! Amazing talent from her and the rest of the orchestra!” Lucianna’s sister, Sarolta (’29), wholeheartedly agreed. “There are so many talented students here at TAC,” she added. “It’s such a blessing to hear them play for us!”

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