Concert Features Prof. Vosgerchian

As part of what its president termed a new trend of professionalism," the Mozart Society Orchestra featured piano virtuoso Luise Vosgerchian at Paine Hall yesterday in its first concert of the year.

The orchestra performed three pieces: Aaron Copland's "An Outdoor Overture," Gabriel Faure's "Pelleas et Melisande suite, op. 60" and Edvard Grieg's "Piano Concerto in A Minor, op. 16." Vosgerchian, who is also the Naumburg Professor of Music, was featured as piano soloist in the final piece.

Vosgerchian earned consistently rave reviews from both orchestra and audience members. "She was breathtaking," said Craig V. Hickman '90. "She left that poor piano in ruins."

Victoria L. Holloway '90, president of the orchestra, said that the concert attendance of 210 was better than expected. Vosgerchian's appearance, she said, was part of the group's recent attempt to heighten its quality and attract renowned outside soloists.

Audience members echoed Holloway's enthusiasm. "They've really pulled themselves together," Hickman said. "They've improved 500 percent over the past year."

Midnight Performance Features Beethoven

Fifty-three musicians and an enthusiastic crowd of 300 ushered in the new day at Adams House yesterday with a midnight performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

The ad hoc orchestra, which practiced only twice before the performance, was composed mostly of players from the Harvard-Radcliffe and Bach society orchestras. The musicians appeared in the crowded dining hall dressed in everything from Dr. Denton pajamas to black-and-white formal wear.

Benjamin A. Loeb '89 single-handedly organized and also conducted the concert. "It's a good feeling to know so many people enjoy doing this just for the music," said Loeb. "I hope this concert spurs more people to arrange novel concerts--especially free ones."

"A lot of people came just because they thought it was a fun idea to go to a concert at midnight," said Allison B. Charney '89, who ushered at the concert, "but they were in for a surprise. This was a group of some of the most talented musicians at Harvard--I don't know of one person who walked away dissatisfied."