Brown University Orchestra takes center stage at Carnegie Hall

Commanding the stage 

Before the program began, Brown University President Christina H. Paxson commended the student-musicians on the milestone. In recent years, the orchestra has enjoyed an extraordinary run of achievements, including a performance at The Lindemann Performing Arts Center with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman DMUS'96 hon., P'92, P'96, P'01, and a seven-day tour across Canada. 

“The fact that the [Brown University Orchestra] is performing on this world-renowned stage this evening is a testament to their rigorous dedication and the vibrant, creative spirit that exists in Brown’s students,” President Paxson told the crowd of alumni, family, and friends who came out to show their support. 

From the moment they set foot on the stage, the orchestra commanded the audience’s attention with a bold repertoire that flowed from classical to contemporary works.  

The evening began with Johannes Brahms’ impassioned Piano Concerto No. 1, which featured pianist Saleem Ashkar, director of Brown’s keyboard applied music program. A hush fell over the auditorium as the crowd became entranced by the dramatic exchanges between the piano and the orchestra. After the monumental 40-minute-plus piece, rapturous applause filled the air.

The student-musicians returned from intermission without missing a beat, turning to two American works composed nearly half a century apart: Emmy Award-winning composer Joel Thompson's “An Act of Resistance” and “Three Black Kings” by the legendary Duke Ellington. For the latter, they were joined by saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht, Brown’s jazz studies director. The orchestra’s masterful delivery of the powerfully evocative works brought everyone to their feet.

“This was the perfect program with which to share the talents and diversity of the Brown Orchestra,” said Michael P. Steinberg, a professor of music and German studies, and the Barnaby Conrad and Mary Critchfield Keeney Professor of History. “It's an experience of beauty, truth, and community that is deeply rewarding for all, and especially in challenging times.”

The road to Carnegie

The Brown University Orchestra's performance was backed by generous donor support from Yesim Philip P’26, P’27, P’30, Dusty Philip P’26, P’27, P’30, Phyllis Rosenthal P’88, P’91, Nicole Hartnett ’91, Cynthia Sculco, and Thomas Sculco ’65. 

“As a long-time board member of Carnegie Hall, I have seen world-class performances up close,” said Dusty Philip P’26, P’27, P’30. “Brown’s music community embodies that same commitment to excellence. Nurturing young performers is a core part of Carnegie Hall's mission, and we are proud to sponsor this terrific event.”

With roots dating back to 1858, the Brown University Orchestra has won the prestigious ASCAP Award for “Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music” seven times since 1994, including first prize in 2005 in the Collegiate Orchestra Division. Alumni of the orchestra have also gone on to play with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and New World Symphony,  among other ensembles. 

In the spirit of Brown’s Open Curriculum, nearly every academic concentration is represented in the orchestra’s roster.

“Students from all over the University play in the orchestra — not just music concentrators,” said Emily Dolan, chair of the Department of Music. “It’s a special community for students, whether they plan to continue in music for the rest of their lives or whether they are headed off to medical school or any number of other possible paths.”
 

The orchestra typically performs two programs that are spread evenly over the course of the semester. This semester, the first program and subsequent tour had a longer run. This meant that there was a short window for members to prepare for the second program, which included the repertoire they’d perform at Carnegie Hall. It helped that the concert’s guest artists were Brown faculty and seasoned musicians who had already performed on some of the world’s biggest stages.  

“Normally, when we work with guest artists, they only join us for the last few rehearsals before the concert,” said Mark Seto, conductor of the Brown University Orchestra and an associate teaching professor of music. “Saleem and Timo have been incredibly generous with the time they have spent with students throughout the rehearsal process. Having the opportunity to learn from them has been invaluable.”

Ending on a high note

For Brunonians who had never heard the Brown University Orchestra play before, the concert at Carnegie Hall was the perfect introduction to its showmanship. Many were grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and Brown through the power of music. 

“It made me proud to be an alum,” said Darryl Heslop ’96. “I was so impressed by the quality of the performance. I couldn’t stop clapping.”

Though the student-musicians’ path from College Hill to Carnegie Hall represents the pinnacle of achievement, their journey doesn't end there.

“We hope students walk away with a heightened sense of artistic confidence and trust their abilities at every future stage they step onto,” said Yesim Philip P’26, P’27, P’30.

The standing ovation the orchestra received after the performance couldn’t have been more affirming.

“Since I joined the orchestra four years ago, the ensemble and community has blossomed in so many different ways,” said Thomas Gotsch ’26, former president of the orchestra and principal of the double bass section. “Carnegie Hall represents many things to different people, but I think for our ensemble it was an achievement that reflected the strength, passion, and warmth of the Brown music community.”