String Ensemble Fall Concert: A Celebration of Community and Musical Growth

In a semester that has seen new musicians join and returning ones deepen their dedication, the ensemble has focused on cultivating community through music. Prof. Rice explains, “This semester has felt like a big one for community. After saying goodbye to the amazing musicians who graduated, we welcomed new members, and less than three weeks after our first rehearsal, we were performing together in public. I think that playing together so quickly created a bond among us and allowed us to start the season with a sense of shared purpose and connection.”

Exploring Heritage and Artistic Growth Through Repertoire

UC String Ensemble performing recently at the Berman Museum of Art

The ensemble’s fall program reflects both the deep historical roots of music and the ways it resonates with personal growth and shared experiences. The concert opens with Home Sweet Home, an arrangement of a beloved piece written in 1823 that quickly became a staple in American homes. Earlier this month, the ensemble performed the piece at the Wharton Esherick Museum, where it sparked conversation on the intersection of life and artistry in Esherick’s own work and home space. “This piece brought the concept of home and personal artistry to the forefront,” Rice says. “It was a chance for our musicians to connect the song’s theme with their own lives and the kind of life they want to craft for themselves.”

Following this piece, the ensemble will perform Sinfonia X in B-flat by Felix Mendelssohn, written when the composer was only fourteen. Despite Mendelssohn’s youth, the piece showcases a mature grasp of musical tradition and energy. “Sinfonia X has been a joy to explore because it pushes us,” Rice shares. “Mendelssohn’s writing demands we be on the edge, reaching for something more dramatic, more dynamic. There’s a presto at the end that had everyone laughing in awe the first time we heard it—we just knew it was going to take all we had to bring it to life!”

A Tribute to Senior Violinist Hayley Kane

Senior Hayley Kane

The concert will also honor senior violinist Hayley Kane, who has been a constant presence in the ensemble and the music department. In recognition of her contributions, the program includes two pieces that feature Kane as a soloist: Nocturne by French composer Lili Boulanger and Oblivion by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla. The Nocturne, a lyrical and delicate piece, was recently performed by Kane at the Wharton Esherick Museum, where it captivated the audience with its mystery and warmth. The ensemble will again join her on this piece, creating a moment that highlights both her talent and the ensemble’s cohesiveness. Prof. Rice explains, “Hayley is a vital part of our community, and we wanted to celebrate her musicianship. These pieces showcase her spirit, her dedication, and the depth she brings to our group.”

Piazzolla’s Oblivion, a piece rooted in the rich tradition of Argentinian tango, allows Kane to showcase her technical skill and emotional resonance as the violin soloist. Prof. Rice describes the piece as one that “invites us all to dive deep, as Piazzolla did with his passion for tango. It’s a reminder of the beauty that comes from fully engaging with what we love and sharing it with others.”

Collaboration with the Ursinus Concert Band: A Musical Milestone

In a highly anticipated addition to this year’s program, the Ursinus College String Ensemble will join the Ursinus College Wind Ensemble, directed by Maestro Harry Oehler, for a performance of Ave Maria by Franz Schubert and Finlandia by Jean Sibelius. This collaboration marks a milestone for both ensembles, as it unites strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion for the first time in concert. Prof. Rice and Maestro Oehler had long envisioned bringing these musicians together and finally saw their dream realized earlier this year at the Ursinus commencement ceremony. “The energy and sound when we come together are incredible,” Rice reflects. “It’s a moment of musical unity that reminds us of the strength we find in community.”

This collaborative segment of the concert promises to be a highlight, blending the rich tones of strings with the boldness of brass and woodwinds to create an immersive experience. Ave Maria and Finlandia will resonate in Bomberger Auditorium, bringing the concert’s themes of tradition, connection, and shared artistry to life in a powerful way.

Looking Forward to More: February Performance Announcement

Melinda Rice, Director of Ursinus College String Ensemble

As the semester comes to a close, Prof. Rice and the ensemble are already looking ahead to an exciting opportunity in early 2025. On February 7, the String Ensemble will partner with the professional group Not So Silent Cinema to perform a live score for the 1923 silent film Vampyr in Bomberger Auditorium. The performance will include a pre-show talk by Film Studies Professor Dr. Jennifer Fleeger, who will offer insights into the film and its significance. This event promises to be a unique experience, blending music and cinema for a modern take on classic film scoring.

The Ursinus College String Ensemble’s Fall Concert on November 17 will offer audiences an evening of music that celebrates growth, tradition, and the joy of sharing in community. This free event invites all to experience the powerful, unifying force of music in Bomberger Auditorium.