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The Philadelphia Orchestra performs ‘live’ for DCCC

A content packed program performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra was simulcast over the internet to Delaware County Community College in High Definition on Jan 21.

“Simply amazing,” said Chuntoa Huifen, 20-year-old accounting major, who attended this semester’s first show.

Three compositions, two interviews and a backstage view of Verizon Hall, the Philadelphian home of the orchestra, were packed into a two hour program that a skim 15 people witnessed.

The event, organized by the department of communications and humanities, had all of this in HD, and for students it was only $7.50

“To drive to [Philadelphia] and park, that‘s over $20,” said Clay Railey III, dean of communications, arts and humanities, adding that these events are for those without “the means or time to go to Philadelphia at 2:00 on a Friday afternoon.”

The pieces on display included Magnus Lindberg’s “EXPO,” Christopher Rouse’s Oboe Concerto, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s 6th Symphony. The first two were composed as recently as 2009 and 2004 respectively.

Lindberg has influences that include metal and electronic music as well as classical, according to the program accompanying the simulcast event.

Adding to the music and video, were shots of Verizon Hall’s backstage where various orchestra members could be seen preparing for the concert, often joking with each other.

During the intermission there were interviews with Richard Woodhams, principal oboe for the Philadelphia orchestra since 1977, who performed a solo for the Oboe Concerto, and Alan Gilbert, the conductor and music director for the New York Philharmonic since Sep 2009.

"It is really important that we champion and play modern work," said Gilbert, speaking about the newer pieces performed.

Lindberg's Oboe Concerto was "really progressive for the oboe," said Woodhams, whose solo lasted through the 20 minute composition. "It really pushes it into new realms."

Specticast, who has a partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra, provides live events to subscribers around the globe. According to its website, DCCC is among these subscribers.

Currently, Specticast holds two types of features, according to their website, the first being the music collection which includes performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute of Music. The other type is the speaker collection, which focuses on authors specializing in the fields of arts, humanities and science.

On the subject of quality and extra features, Railey said, “If [the audience] can‘t be there in person, which is the best way, anything less…is not as satisfying.”

Similar concerts will be simulcast to the large auditorium on Feb. 26, Mar. 18, May 7, and May 22. Full details for these events can be found in their entries on the college calendar, accessible from the main page of the college’s website.

Though the college will only receive simulcasts in the latter half of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s current season, starting in the 2011 fall semester the college will feature programs from the whole season, Railey said.

The college’s communications, arts and humanities department is responsible for other school-generated arts programs, such as the plays performed by theater students in the fall and spring semesters.

Additionally, the department oversees the art gallery on Marple Campus and Pegasus, the college’s literary magazine. The gallery displays paintings, photos, and models of various styles while the second showcases students’ poems, short stories, nonfiction and artwork.

Whether for the devout fan, curious observer, or bored weekender, Delaware County Community College’s communications, arts and humanities department provides students and faculty with an alternative to typical weekend fair.

Contact Robert Tierney at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu

The Communitarian Opinion Policy: The opinions expressed on the editorial and the op-ed pages do not necessarily reflect those of The Communitarian staff or college. We welcome your comments on any matter relating to Delaware County Community College, and responsible rebuttal is encouraged. Write to communitarian@mail.dccc.edu. Please write “letter to editor” in the subject box.