After 26 Saturdays of rehearsals, classes, and creative growth, the students of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory took the stage for their annual Spring Concerts—and they did not disappoint! Across ten hours of performances over two packed days, more than 250 young musicians filled the halls with artistry, energy, and passion. From original compositions to stirring solos, these concerts were filled with memorable moments that showed the power of music—and of young people coming together to create it.
With so many concerts, though, it’s hard to see everything! Here are just a few of the special moments you may have missed from the Spring 2025 Conservatory Concerts.
1. A Swashbuckling Student Composition
Move over, Hans Zimmer! The Suzuki-Alegre Strings portion of the Instrumental Ensembles concert began with a rollicking voyage through “Stormy Seas,” an original composition by 11-year-old cello student Adarsh Reddy. Adarsh introduced his work, sharing that he was inspired by the score of Pirates of the Caribbean, before he and the Suzuki-Alegre Cello Choir performed the piece for an ecstatic audience. He thanked the ensemble’s director, Claire Bachman, for encouraging him and allowing him the opportunity to perform his composition. We love to support our students’ creative endeavors as they explore new ways to make music beyond playing their instruments!
2. The Warrior Women of Perfect Cadence
This spring’s choir concert was full of magical moments, but one performance in particular gave us goosebumps. Perfect Cadence, the treble choir directed by Evan Bruno and primarily featuring our youngest female voice students, gave a solemn, intense a cappella rendition of “Warrior” by Kim Baryluk and the Wyrd Sisters. It was thrilling to hear such a mature, full sound from such young voices, and it perfectly fit the song’s theme of women’s determination, solidarity, and strength.
3. Cool Vibes with Merit Jazz Ensemble
When you think of jazz, the first instrument that comes to mind might be a saxophone, trumpet, or piano – vibraphone likely isn’t at the top of the list. But Merit Jazz Ensemble, led by Alex Beltran, proved what a great combination the two can be. An extensive vibraphone solo from percussionist Dynham Evans in “Mamacita” by Joe Henderson was a huge crowd-pleaser, filling the room with electrifying energy.
4. Orchestral Storytelling, Straight from One Thousand and One Nights
Merit Philharmonic closed out the orchestra concert on Saturday afternoon with an invigorating performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, based on One Thousand and One Nights. Beautiful solos could be heard throughout the suite’s four movements, with particularly extensive violin solos played by Aki Santibanez and Paloma Furst Chavira.
This ensemble, led by Steven Gooden, has worked diligently on this major orchestral work for months. Earlier this spring, they had the opportunity to study this piece under Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Music Director and Merit partner Enrique Mazzola. Maestro Mazzola even came to the orchestra concert in support! We’re thankful for all the musical expertise, wisdom, and experience he shares with our students.
As the final note of the weekend echoed through the concert hall, it was clear: the Spring 2025 Conservatory Concerts were more than just a showcase—they were a celebration of dedication, creativity, and community. Every ensemble and individual student brought something special to the stage, reminding us all of the transformative power of music education. We couldn’t be prouder of these young artists, and we can’t wait to see what they create next.
