It was great to have so many former Hochstein students return to Rochester for a special concert by the Hochstein Alumni Orchestra on Friday, January 6!
Created in 2010 by Director Evan Meccarello as a reunion of musicians with connections to Hochstein, the Hochstein Alumni Orchestra (HAO) has gathered alumni from far and wide each year to present free, high-quality concerts.
This year’s concert featured the US premiere of “Toranj” by Iranian composer Aftab Darvishi; soloist Katrina King Nicholson – a Hochstein alum, flute teacher, and Washington, DC-based freelance musician – performing Nielsen’s Flute Concerto; and three movements from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.
The musicians had two rehearsals during the week to prepare for the concert, which usually takes place during winter break. This year’s concert was later than usual and some students who are currently attending college had to extend their school break to be able to participate. A number of students were on the same flight to New York City the morning after the concert so they could return to their daily lives.
At least two HAO members this year really traveled in for this event specifically. Emma Glaess flew from Las Vegas, landed at ROC, picked up a bass she rented in order to play with the group, and then came to rehearsal that same day. She was of course happy to visit her family here, too.
Viola player Lora Xu came from Chicago with her mom specifically for this concert, staying at a hotel for the week. They both enjoyed a chance to visit friends from when they lived in Rochester.
Alum Epongue Ekille – who performed on solo violin at the Hochstein Gala in April 2022 – fit in her appearance with the HAO before heading to Washington, DC, to perform Haydn string quartets on period instruments at the Smithsonian.
We had a mother/son pairing this year when Jake Kinney (HYSO ’16) came up from Boston to play trumpet and his mother, music teacher Elizabeth Kinney, filled in on cello. All three of her sons are HYSO alums and have played at various times in the alumni orchestra.
And it was very nice to have former Hochstein President & Executive Director Peggy Quackenbush join the orchestra on clarinet!
To read more about the alumni who participated in the concert, click here for the program with their individual bios: https://hochstein.org/Portals/0/HAO%202023%20program%20for%20web_1.pdf
If you missed the concert or would like to watch it again, visit the Hochstein YouTube page at
https://youtu.be/l6oK_jSaCFM?t=95
Thanks to everyone who gave cash donations at the concert – proceeds benefitted Hochstein's Tuition Assistance Program.