For the first time in three years, Springfest made a captivating and emotional return, spotlighting North’s musical talent Thursday, April 10. With performances from the Wind Ensemble, orchestra, chorus, and three remarkable soloists, Springfest delivered an unforgettable experience.
During the concert, the orchestra and wind ensemble were combined. According to fine and performing arts teacher Adam Grossman, the director of the concert, combining the two groups does not happen often, but it creates a spectacular show when it does.
“It’s hard to organize but I was glad to be able to put those two groups together,” said Grossman.
From the very first note of the concert, the audience was captivated by the breathtaking vocals of the chorus. The layered harmonies flowed through the auditorium, setting the tone for the rest of the concert. After the first few songs, string players joined the chorus on stage and the music turned joyful and upbeat.
Afterward, the stage was taken over by a series of chamber ensembles, which are small groups of musicians who perform without a conductor. These ensembles don’t usually perform at school concerts, so their appearance offered a rare treat for the audience.
The flute ensemble entered first, delivering bright and optimistic songs that felt like a celebration of new beginnings. They were soon followed by a woodwind quintet that shifted the mood to something darker and more dramatic. The brass quintet continued to build off of the suspense left by the previous performance, with lower tones and a slower pace, providing perfect opening for the larger percussion ensemble.
The percussion ensemble consisted of only one percussionist and a large group of students who typically played other instruments, making the performance all the more impressive. Though they were new to their parts, the positive and lighthearted performance was enjoyable and infectious. Many in the audience smiled, clapped, and cheered, responding enthusiastically to the lively performance.
Then, the orchestra took the stage with a brisk cheerful opening, skillfully alternating between suspenseful notes and lighthearted melodies with transitions that flowed effortlessly.
The highlight of the night was the three standout solo performances by seniors Rainier Deise and Theo Karon and junior Sherry Zhang.
According to Grossman, Springfest typically features solo performers from auditions held earlier in the year. “I always enjoy getting to work with the students and supplying them with these solo opportunities,” said Grossman.
The first soloist was Karon, a violinist, who performed the third movement of Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1. He made the complex piece sound flawless, delivering a performance that was both technical and emotional.
Next was Zhang, a flautist, who took the stage for Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute and Orchestra. Zhang’s performance was poised and expressive, weaving the flute’s delicate melodies through the orchestra’s rich harmonies. The final note hung in the air before the audience erupted into applause.
Last but definitely not least, Deise, a cellist, closed the night with a spectacular performance of Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, Movement I. His playing was fast and complex, leading the orchestra through a variety of different tunes. The audience responded with a standing ovation, a clear acknowledgment of both his talent and the journey the entire concert had been.
The orchestra beamed, clearly enjoying the moment alongside the audience.
“A highlight for me was just getting to play with the whole orchestra, which is always a lot of fun,” said Deise.
By the end of the night it was clear that Springfest had returned better than ever. The concert was filled with beautiful harmonies, skilled solos, and complicated melodies that showcased the unique talents of North’s students and left a lasting impression on performers and audience members alike.
