Symphony Orchestra Celebrate the Centenary
The Imperial College Symphony Orchestra (ICSO) performed a Centenary celebratory concert in the sumptuous surroundings of Cadogan Hall on 17 March 2007 in its biggest performance of recent years.
Nearly 700 guests watched the exciting performance which was opened by an energetic “Overture to ‘Candide’” by Berstein. Michał Ćwiżewicz then impressed the audience with his performance of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op 47. Michał, who is studying violin at the Royal College of Music, is a current masters student of Imperial College, studying Engineering Aeronautics.
Following the interval, ICSO performed an emotionally charged “Forest Murmours” by Wagner and closed the concert with the epic tone poem “Tod und Verklärung Op.24” by Strauss.
ICSO conductor and Imperial’s Director of Music, Richard Dickins said of the performance, “I knew that Imperial musicians would pull something special out of the hat, but even I was astonished at what we achieved on the night. This was an unforgettable experience”.
Sir Richard Sykes, Rector, who hosted a group of guests at the concert, including former Rectors and Chairman of Imperial, said that “the performance was an uplifting celebration of the College’s one hundred years. It was a joy to watch so many College students and staff making music of the very highest quality”.
ICSO regularly performs to audiences in London, and further afield, since its establishment in 1948. The musicians, all staff and students of Imperial, come from a wide range of scientific, medical and engineering disciplines and from many continents.
Olivia Shields, leader and 4th year medical student, "it was a huge privilege to be a part of this historic performance with ICSO. I have never experienced a greater sense of unity and excitement on the orchestral stage nor such exhilaration afterwards."
Visit www.union.ic.ac.uk/arts/orchestra for more information about forthcoming performances and for details about becoming a patron of ICSO.
| Were you a member of ICSO in its earlier days? Share your memories of performing with the orchestra on the Centenary website |
© 2007 Imperial College London
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