back then
During the Marquette Symphony Orchestra’s free outdoor concert in August, Sing With The Symphony Contest winner Olivia Simerman sang popular hit songs backed by symphonic musical arrangements. Her singing along with the musicians’ backing were appreciated by the hundreds of audience members present.
SYMPHONY CELEBRATES
MSO launches 25th season, enjoys good support but seeks more fans
Story and photos by Joseph Zyble
T
he Marquette Symphony Orchestra began its 25th anniversary season by performing a free outdoor concert with the theme “Celebrate With Your Symphony.” The concert was held on a gorgeous, mid-August summer evening at the Presque Isle band shell in Marquette. Hundreds of people, many bringing their own lawn chairs, attended. The symphony performed a variety of arrangements, including pieces from
French composer Hector Berlioz, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and contemporary music accompanied by vocals. Microphones were strategically placed among the performers to carry the music through loud speakers to reach audience members seated as far as 80 yards away from the band shell. Andrew LaCombe, who in addition to playing in the cello section and serving as vice president of the symphony
board, is also the spokesperson for the organization. He noted that the Marquette Symphony Orchestra held two other concerts outdoors in the past year to comply with the covid safety precautions in place at the time. However, now that most of the covid restrictions have been lifted, having enough space to accommodate a vast audience was the driving factor for holding this concert outdoors. “This was the first time we ever had
October 2021
a free, unlimited-attendance concert,” LaCombe said. “It was a way of thanking the public, inviting everyone to celebrate our 25th season, and introducing the symphony to people who may never have experienced it before.” Local talent Olivia Simerman provided vocals for several popular songs during the concert. She sang “Shallow,” by Lady Gaga (among others), “Skyfall,” by Adele, “At Last” by Etta James, and “Feelin’ Good,” made famous by Nina
Marquette Monthly
47
