Obviously, not many students at Pike County High School understood Misha Rachlevsky’s question. If they had, more hands would have been raised.
Rachlevsky, the director of the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, was interested to know how many PCHS students had never heard a chamber orchestra in concert.
Only a few hands were raised.
However, PCHS Principal Willie Wright had called it right.
“This will not be the kind of music our students are accustomed to hearing,” Wright said, prior to the concert Monday afternoon at the school’s gymnasium. “Most of them have never been exposed to this kind of music. To appreciate different kinds of music, they have to be exposed to it. We appreciate this opportunity for our students and thank the Troy Arts Council for making it possible. Opportunities like this help our students to be more well-rounded and that’s important.”
The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin was in Troy at the invitation of the Troy Arts Council to present a concert Monday night at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.
Dr. John Jinright, TAC presenter chair, said the arts council made the string orchestra’s visit to PCHS possible as part of its commitment to the community.
“Whenever we can, we like to include a performance at a local school in the artist’s contract,” Jinright said. “The TAC is excited to have this group of outstanding young musicians perform for the students at Pike County High School.”
George Ard listened intently as the orchestra played and described the music as “beautiful.” Schoolmate Jimmie Peterson said the music had a “peaceful harmony’ that he appreciated.
“I liked the music a lot and I think everybody did,” Peterson said.
Jimmy Oliver, PCHS director of bands, said to have an orchestra from Russia perform at PCHS was a unique experience for the students.
“Music is the universal language,” Oliver said. “No matter what kind of instruments are played and what kind of music is played, people can relate to it.”
Rachlevsky had individual members of the orchestra play their instruments. He explained that the violin, viola, cello and the double bass all have different sounds that blend to create chamber music.
The students were attentive as the orchestra played and applauded the talents of some of Russia’s finest young musicians, most of which are females.
“Not just in Russia, but everywhere, we are seeing more females in orchestras than males, Rachlevsky said and added with a smile, “I don’t know why.”
The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin performed at the Crosby Theater Monday night and will concluded its month-long United States tour in Florida on March 31.