REBEL YELL

Orchestra strikes a cord with finale

The UNLV Symphony Orchestra performed its last concert of the school year at Artemus Ham Hall. The Orchestra was conducted by music Director George Edward Stelluto, who also directs the Las Vegas Music Festival.

Stelluto said that this concert was in honor of those students who entered the James Huntzinger Solo Competition. Stelluto feels that it is good to honor "up and coming stars," the most diligent students and performers. Three musicians who led the orchestra on pieces performed during the first part of the concert are Huntzinger winners: bassoonist Amy Bassett, clarinetist Timothy Bonenfant, and soprano vocalist Debra Siebert. Other UNLV musicians who did not enter or did not win the competition, such as violin concertmaster James Harvey, were also honored.

The concert began with a modern piece called 'For Lindsey,' composed in 2002 by Michael Wineski, who is working on his MM at UNLV. Stelluto felt that it was appropriate to include a selection by Wineski because his work is similar to that of the legendary Samuel Barber. Leading with 'For Lindsey' was "another way to honor UNLV's most promising musicians." Wineski has also performed at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.