The high school stage was filled with about 140 New Canaan High School students in the Band, Orchestra, and Choir performing their annual Collaborative Music Concert on February 6. Typically students only play and rehearse with musicians in their own ensemble. However, this special event is the one time all year when the entire music department at NCHS has the opportunity to create music together. As Mr. Barry Zhou, High School Band Director, observed, “Music is all about making connections, and this concert gives our students a chance to make connections throughout the entire music department. It also gives the Band, Choir, and Orchestra a chance to perform for totally new audiences.” The concert featured performances from each group separately and in various combinations together. Additionally, smaller groups of students performed in a Chamber Quartet and Choir Ensemble, and a student conductor, Daniel Ristic, conducted one piece. The concert’s finale featured the Band, Orchestra, and Choir performing together a song titled “Sogno di Volare” which translates to “Dream of Flight.” This piece of music is featured in a video game called “Civilization VI,” and some of the lyrics are based on Leonardo Di Vinci’s writing. Mr. Zhou noted that the composition has been “praised for its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and adventure.” The opportunity to perform a large, epic piece of music as one, unified group is an accomplishment that these students should be proud of.
