The Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City June 13, 2024, with Dr. Christopher Kelts conducting.

The program included Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to ‘Candide,’” emeritus professor Dr. John Prescott’s “Adagio from Baroque Concerto, Op. 77a” and Florence Price’s “‘Adoration’ for String Orchestra.”

In addition, the orchestra performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” accompanied by solo pianist Jiyeon Lee.

Lee, a Missouri State alum, studied with Dr. Hye-Jung Hong, associate professor in the Department of Music.

“Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for music, and it was so exciting to hear our own MSU Symphony students perform there,” said Dr. Paula Patterson, head of the music department.

“The University Symphony performed superbly,” Kelts said.

According to Patterson, several individuals connected with Missouri State attended the performance. These included music faculty, parents, alumni, former MSU president Clif Smart and Dean Shawn Wahl of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH).

Personal battles inspire “Adagio”

As part of the program, the orchestra performed Prescott’s composition “Adagio (Opus 77a).”

Prescott said he wrote “Adagio” specifically for the Carnegie concert.

“In 2013, I was diagnosed with cancer, and as part of the treatment, I underwent chemotherapy for a period of six weeks,” Prescott explained in the concert’s program notes. “During the infusion sessions, I spent significant amounts of time with many other cancer patients, the majority of whom were fighting very difficult battles.”

“I was humbled by the courage they projected,” he continued. “Their faces and their stories were etched into my memories, and it was about them that this ‘Adagio’ was composed.”

Patterson said including Prescott’s composition made the performance “extra special.”

Kadesh Clouden, a second-year master’s student in the department’s orchestral conducting program, said it was an honor to perform Prescott’s piece.

“It meant a lot to the orchestra to premiere his [Prescott’s] piece at Carnegie Hall,” Clouden said. “As someone who has dedicated over 30 years to Missouri State and the music department, it was a great privilege for us to perform his piece and honor his contributions.”

Students describe “incredible opportunity”

Clouden and fellow orchestra member Charles Wolfe both expressed appreciation for the chance to perform in Carnegie Hall.

“I was extremely excited because it’s such an incredible opportunity,” said Wolfe, a junior music major. Wolfe plays in the orchestra’s horn section.

Clouden described feeling “sheer joy” about performing at Carnegie Hall.

“The acclaim that hall brings is immense,” he continued. “So many renowned individuals in classical music and music within the United States have performed there. To have the opportunity to be in that same space felt very surreal.”

Special moment with “Rhapsody in Blue”

For Wolfe, a special memory is his “duet moment” with Lee during “Rhapsody in Blue.”

“There’s a moment in ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ where it’s a rather long piano solo cadenza, [and] in the middle of it there’s a little supporting line in the first horn,” Wolfe explained.

“It was a great experience to have a little duet moment with Jiyeon, our piano soloist. I’ll never forget the wink that Dr. Kelts gave me after the end of that duet,” he added.

Sensing the history

Clouden and Wolfe described feeling amazed when they first saw Carnegie Hall.

“The building’s exterior doesn’t hint at the treasure it holds inside,” Clouden said.

Likewise, they both said they were aware of the place’s impressive history.

“Not only have some of the most famous musicians in the world performed on that same stage, but to think of all the historical figures that have been in the audience as well,” Wolfe said.

“The moment I stepped on stage, I felt a sense of sheer awe just looking at the gold leaf everywhere,” he added. “When you step into the hall itself, or anywhere that isn’t one of the backstage areas, it just feels historical.”

Kelts agreed, describing Carnegie Hall as “the epicenter for orchestral performance.”

“Every artist in the world is aware of its significance,” he said.

Making music together

Kelts said he hoped members of the symphony would always remember their experience at Carnegie Hall.

“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to lead the University Symphony to that moment and will remain grateful for the opportunity for many years to come,” he said.

“I’m happy we could make music together.”

About the orchestra

The Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra is a full-sized symphonic orchestra that performs from the complete range of symphonic repertoire. Music majors, music minors and non-majors all perform in the symphony.

The orchestra’s diverse musicians come from all across Missouri, the greater mid-west region and as far away as China, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and South America.

Follow the MSU Symphony Orchestra

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Photo credits: Brian Hatton of Brian Hatton Photography unless otherwise stated.