From the first downbeat to the final ringing cadence, this year’s Conservatory Winter Concert weekend was a joyful celebration of hard work, growth, and musical community.
Over two jam-packed days, the 283 students of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory performed 63 pieces across more than 10 hours of concerts, filling the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center with energy, focus, and plenty of magical moments of collaboration. To witness these young musicians transform hours of rehearsal-room effort into confident, compelling performances after only a few short months was nothing short of inspiring.
With so many concerts packed into one short weekend, it’s impossible to catch everything. Here are a few standout moments you may have missed from the 2025 Conservatory Winter Concerts.
1. A Bernstein Showcase for the Wind Symphony
We kicked off the weekend on Friday night with the Band Concert, and the Anne & Howard Gottlieb Hall was filled to the brim—standing room only!—for performances by the Ralla Klepak Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony.
One highlight from Friday was the Wind Symphony’s performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide Suite. Across its five vibrant and varied movements, several students performed solos full of musicality, personality, and passion.
Under the direction of Scott Casagrande, the Wind Symphony continues to build upon its culture of excellence. The level of difficulty in this repertoire was ambitious, yet the ensemble rose to the challenge with careful preparation and confidence.
2. Morning Energy with Sticks and Stones
You might not think a percussion ensemble is what you want to hear at 9:00 a.m.—but think again! One of the very first performances on Saturday morning featured our most advanced percussion chamber group, Sticks and Stones, who brought energy, precision, and plenty of excitement to the stage.
Students Emika M., Jesse C., and Gabriel M. performed the first movement of Trio Per Uno by Nebojsa Zivkovic, which, with its mixed meters and complex rhythms, is no easy feat even for advanced percussionists. But with plenty of hard work and the expert guidance of coach Joe Sonnefeldt, the students rose to the challenge. Their focus, confidence, and joy in the performance made for an unforgettable start to the day.
3. Young Voices, Big Impact
The Voice Concert was filled with beautiful moments, and the Select Treble ensemble was particularly moving. Made up of our youngest voice students, these singers delivered a performance that was both polished and heartfelt, bringing to life the traditional Samoan hymn Lo Ta Nu’u with great feeling.
Their clear tone, musical sensitivity, and seamless blending were exceptional. To hear the confidence and strength grow in such young voices is a testament both to the thoughtful, intentional work by the students and to the excellent leadership of director Evan Bruno.
3. A Concerto’s Collective Triumph
At the Orchestra Concert, one of the weekend’s most memorable moments came with a performance of the first movement of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104. Cellist John Mangum, winner of the concerto division of Merit’s annual Conservatory Solo Competition last February, delivered a powerful and expressive solo that showcased his artistry.
Just as special, though, was the orchestra’s role in the performance. Under the direction of Steven Gooden, the ensemble created a rich, supportive tapestry for John’s solo. You could feel the sense of collaboration and encouragement as the entire orchestra rallied behind their peer. The performance was met with rousing applause that lasted several minutes, a well-earned celebration for both soloist and ensemble.
