Showcasing a wide spectrum of musical talents from the Biola Conservatory of Music, the PRISM concert is a yearly event that is always a sellout during Parent Weekend. The variety of ensembles featured in this program include the Biola Symphony Orchestra, several choral groups, soloists, and members from the cast of Biola’s production, “Into the Woods.”
The Conservatory put on two performances on Saturday Oct. 9, giving students — along with family and friends — the opportunity to attend an afternoon or evening concert. With the lines beyond the mailboxes, there was much anticipation for this popular event.
The sonorous resonance of music coming from Crowell Hall was a treat to the ear.
The eighteenth annual PRISM not only presented the great classical scores by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Debussy, but also featured the works written and scored by Biola students.
According to the Conservatory, PRISM is named for exactly what it is. Just as light is refracted through a prism to a spectrum of brilliant colors, the Biola Conservatory is refracted into the multi-faceted spectrum of music.
Each ensemble performed one or two pieces, delighting the enthralled audience with the quick changes of groups and styles.
The first half of the program began with the brass ensemble, which performed a piece by student composer, Joel Balzun. Continuing to focus on the talents of the students, the Biola Symphony Orchestra was directed by student composer, Nathan Cottrell.
The next act featured tenor Arnold Geis in a solo performance, followed by Guitarist Philip Domfeh who performed a Spanish Romance.
The quick-paced show allowed the viewers to stay at the edge of their seats, and remain engaged throughout the performance.
“I absolutely loved that I was able to listen to so many different groups that were entirely different,” said Biola parent, Mrs. Kim.
Changing from the Biola Symphony Orchestra’s Romanian Rhapsody, pianist Melia Vanda captivated the audience with a classical piece by Rachmaninoff.
Keeping the excitement up, the first choral ensemble was presented by Biola’s Women’s Chorus conductor Julia Ramsey. Showcasing a traditional Welsh melody along with a thrilling rendition of Jubilate Deo, the chorus led the transition to the acclaimed and much anticipated acapella group, the King’s Men. This group performed a piece by the talented student composer, Trevor Gomes, that brought ardent flair and gusto to a delighted audience.
Keeping them on the edge of their seats, the Honors String Quartet presented an admirable piece by Debussy. This act was followed by another choral group, the Biola Chorale. Featuring students who are also a part of many other ensembles such as the King’s Men, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Winds, this choral group was no downer with the multi-faceted talents it had.
The ever-entertaining soprano Danielle Evans grabbed the audience with her genial rendition of Victor Herbert’s “Art is Calling for Me,” then showed her prowess by adjusting to sing a beautiful aria from Biola’s production of “Into the Woods.”
The performance continued to delight with a rhythmic beat by the vocal jazz ensemble, which was followed by a thrilling highlight of the night, the Biola Jazz ensemble conducted by Cliff Hulling. Capitalizing on soulful soloists and bedazzling beats, the jazz ensemble was a definite crowd pleaser.
The program ended with the exquisite performance by the Biola Symphonic Winds conducted by Robert Feller.
Remaining one of the most popular activities on Parent Weekend, this concert is one that should be experienced again and again.
