In only the first thirty-seconds of Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, Op. 25, I could tell that the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra was made of dedicated individuals that appreciate the sound of good music.

Professor James J. Song is the conductor of this orchestra, and his passion for conveying emotion through music is strong. Song received both his B.M. and M.M degrees in music education and instrumental conducting at the University of Colorado (Boulder). Building the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra was his goal from day one of being employed here at Moorpark College.

“I was hired specifically to start an orchestra,” said Song. “A sleeping giant was out there and someone needed to wake it up.”

That giant has grown into a successful group of over 75 dedicated musicians that pour their heart and soul into every note that whines from their violin, cello or wind instrument. I could definitely see the intense appreciation for the works performed at this recent concert.

Sharon Cooper, violinist and concertmistress, played a truly emotionally powerful violin solo for the Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens, which caused the crowd to burst into applause and cheer for her. Her performance was honestly amazing; the sound of her violin was tuned to make the sound of the devil, as explained by Song before the piece was played.

At the end of the evening the orchestra played a very popular piece, Romeo and Juliet Overture by Tchaikovsky. This piece was the most sweeping of all the romantic favourites, the different tunes were easily recognizable and are used in many different things, such as: commercials, computer games and movies. The crowd was on its feet as the last note was played by the orchestra, Song certainly called it by saying it was to be the most popular.

“Tchaikovsky is the highlight of the night,” said Song, who was immensely proud of his orchestra this year for playing in the Oxnard College nutcracker ballet. Oxnard has even contacted them again to participate this coming December!

If you would like to learn more about the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra, please visit http://sunny.moorparkcollege.edu/~msymp/ and to purchase tickets for the upcoming show visit http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/pac/ .