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Lebanon Valley College is proud to announce its Concerto-Aria Competition winners, Abigail Mosior ’17 and Anthony Scheuerman ’17. These two dual music and music education majors will have the opportunity to perform with the LVC Symphony Orchestra during the Fall 2016 semester.
This year there were a total of nine contestants, each with their own range of music experience. These competitors performed a variety of instruments or were voice soloists. Dr. Justin Morell, assistant professor of music, Dr. Matthew Erpelding, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, and Dr. Scott Eggert, professor emeritus of music, determined the winners. This was a unique experience for those who entered the annual competition.
“You’re against people from a variety of musical backgrounds,” said Scheuerman. “So you have to pick a piece you can play well, while also taking into account the size of the orchestra.”
Scheuerman and Mosior are familiar with performing and audition. They have had numerous opportunities to play in festivals and with other groups, but the idea of competing during a performance was a new experience. Yet both felt this event has been a rewarding experience.
While describing what it felt like to win, Scheuerman beamed. “It’s been a goal of mine since middle school to play with an orchestra. I’m ecstatic.”
Beginning lessons in elementary school, viola has been Scheuerman’s primary instrument for 12 years. For his portion, he will play “Potpourri (Fantasy) op. 94 for Viola and Orchestra” by Johann Nepomuk Hummel. He is excited to play the viola; an instrument he is clearly passionate about.
“The viola is the dark horse of the string family; not many people know much about it. Yet it is such a diverse instrument. You get so many different colors and sounds out of it.”
Mosior also is enthusiastic to play the clarinet, which she has played for 10 years. She will perform “Carl Maria” from Clarinet Concerto no. 2 Movement 3 by Von Weber. While she is also well-versed in playing other instruments, she especially enjoys performing with her clarinet.
“The clarinet is just so much fun because you can play things as fast as possible. Your fingers fly, you get to tongue different movements, and you get difficult parts in the music. Plus, the sound of the instrument is something that I like listening to.”
Both students worked very hard to get to this point, putting in many hours of practice before the competition. Now, they will begin rehearsing with LVC’s Symphony Orchestra in preparation for next semester’s concerts. The two are also excited to collaborate with Dr. Hannes Dietrich, Newton and Adelaide Burgner Endowed Professor of Instrumental Music and director of the orchestra, and a professor they both admire and respect.
