The final USD symphony concert will be held April 23, and it may be the last time these musicians will have to play while social distancing.
Last semester, the number of students allowed to play in the symphony was limited due to COVID-19 concerns, and Luis Viquez, conductor of the orchestra, chose pieces suited for a smaller group. This semester, Viquez has expanded the orchestra, a choice which he said is reflected by the music the group is playing.
“The music that I selected for this particular semester… allows us to have trombones, to have trumpets, to have tubas, to have full percussion, and I’m very excited because I just think that’s what symphony orchestras are for,” Viquez said.
The USD Symphony Orchestra presented their winter concert Friday. Due to COVID-19, the performance had limited attendance by invitation only and was live-streamed for others to virtually attend.
Director of Orchestras Luis Viquez said that they have followed all USD mandates, but preparing the orchestra for this concert had its challenges due to COVID-19.
“We have had students in quarantine, we have had people missing several rehearsals. But we always find creative ways to accommodate to all those difficulties,” Viquez said in an email interview with The Volante.
To practice while ensuring social distancing guidelines were being followed, Viquez said the orchestra was able to spread out in the house seats but that this also had its own difficulties.