Ties that Bind a Community Through Music
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s October concert, String Theory proved to be an evening of musical warmth, virtuosity, and heartfelt community connection. It was conducted by Maestro Richard Prior at Callaway Auditorium, which was stunning at this time of evening (see photo). The air was alive with friendly conversation and the anticipation of seeing familiar faces. Plus, there was an inspired lineup of guest artists including tenor Jonathan Pilkington, pianist William Ransom, violist Yinzi Kong, the acclaimed Vega String Quartet, and rising star Sebastian Ocando. The evening revealed not only remarkable artistry, but also the shared spirit that brings LaGrange’s musical community to life. These photos captured the welcoming faces and lively spirit of the audience as they arrived and took their seats, setting the tone for a night to remember.
Shared Storytelling
The program opened with three songs from Ralph Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge, performed by Pilkington, Ransom, and the Vega String Quartet. The orchestra graciously ceded the stage for this intimate set, allowing the audience to be drawn into the poetry and color of Vaughan Williams’ English landscape. Pilkington’s voice carried clarity and warmth, beautifully supported by Ransom’s sensitive piano work and the Vega Quartet’s musical textures. The result was an evocative and deeply human opening—music that felt like shared storytelling.
Adding Depth
While the audience listened to a message from the maestro, a significant change was made to the orchestra arrangement. The stage then welcomed violist Yinzi Kong, joined once again by the Vega String Quartet and the string sections of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, for Herbert Howells’ Elegy for Solo Viola, String Quartet, and String Orchestra.
Before beginning, Kong spoke briefly to the audience, sharing that she hadn’t been entirely thrilled with the piece at first—until hearing the ebb and flow and the waves of emotion the LSO brought to it during rehearsal. Through that collaboration, she came to understand a deeper, more moving side of the music. It was wonderful to watch her emotion come through her playing, adding a depth to the performance. In this poignant rendition, Kong’s tone embodied the very essence of the piece’s title. The combination of soloist, quartet, and orchestra created layers of sound that seemed to breathe gently—being both solemn and consoling. The shared silence it inspired was a testament to the power of live music to connect listeners in a single, unrepeatable moment.
Youthful Energy
Next came Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, whose four movements moved gracefully between playful and lyrical. The symphony sparkled with youthful inventiveness. Of course it did! He first wrote these themes as a child, so their energy and appeal come as no surprise. The orchestra brought that energy to life with clarity and joyful expression. The pizzicato passages, light and lively, drew smiles and quiet appreciation from the audience. Each section felt carefully shaped yet effortless, allowing the music’s delight to shine through. This performance provided a lively bridge, carrying the audience from the evening’s delicate opening works into the fuller, more dynamic orchestral sounds that followed.
No apologies
After intermission, the LSO returned with Vaughan Williams’ Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus. Before starting, Maestro Prior addressed the audience directly, noting with a smile that he made “no apologies for the number of English composers on tonight’s program,” given his own English heritage. This brief address was immediate and personal, giving the audience a direct connection to the maestro. Though short, it created a welcoming pause, like a gentle breath before the music, and perfectly set the stage for the lush, folk-infused textures that followed. The orchestra unfolded each variation with warmth and care, allowing the expressive solos—violin, cello, and the shimmering harp—to emerge naturally, adding color, nuance, and emotional depth to the familiar English melodies. These moments of individual artistry drew the audience in, creating a quietly moving sense of connection that carried through the performance and tied together the evening’s celebration of strings.
Artistry, Gratitude, and Connection
The evening concluded with Emmanuel Séjourné’s Concerto for Marimba and Strings, featuring Sebastian Ocando as soloist. Performing the Tempo souple and Rhythmique, énergique movements, Ocando brought both elegance and vitality to the stage. His playing was full of color and nuance. At the same time, he conveyed a confident command that held the audience’s attention throughout. As the 2025 winner of the Young Artists Competition, he demonstrated remarkable virtuosity. His commanding stage presence kept the audience fully engaged, drawing them into every phrase. The marimba’s warm resonance seemed to glow through the hall, beautifully balanced by the strings. Generously donated to LaGrange College by Austin and Dan Cook, this particular marimba added a special significance to the performance, but it was Sebastian’s artistry, energy, and expressive depth that made the evening truly unforgettable.
As the final notes faded, the audience immediately rose without hesitation in a long, enthusiastic standing ovation, complete with cheers and shouts of appreciation. Sebastian returned to the stage for a second bow, clearly moved by the response. His wife, who was in attendance, stepped forward with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a simple but touching gesture that perfectly captured the joy and emotion of the moment. Following the concert, the atmosphere remained as uplifting as the music itself. Many audience members lingered to visit, including Dr. Paul Vaillancourt, Professor of Percussion at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music and several students. A particularly touching moment unfolded as Austin Cook and his family warmly greeted Sebastian and his wife. It was a fitting close to an evening defined by artistry, gratitude, and connection—a celebration not only of strings, but of the ties that bind a community through music.
Threads that Unite Musicians and Listeners
The entire evening was a journey through sound, emotion, and connection. String Theory truly lived up to its name—showing how the strings of the orchestra can reach across generations, cultures, and experiences, breaking sound barriers and creating moments that resonate long after the final note has faded.
Looking Forward
Mark your calendars for the December 9th concert, Joyful Voices! This festive evening will feature a stellar lineup of guest vocalists, including multiple special groups, filling the stage at Callaway Auditorium with brilliance, warmth, and joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an unforgettable celebration of music and the human voice!
© LaGrange Symphony Orchestra 2025/2026 | All rights reserved | 706.882.0662 | Richard Prior, Music Director & Conductor
