Orchestra Iowa reaches new heights

Attending the March 19 performance of Verdi's Requiem by Orchestra Iowa, I was most impressed by the beauty and warmth of the sound coming off the stage of the new College Community concert hall. It is a professional-grade facility, one whose quality we hope will be approached by the renovated Paramount Theatre.

Fidelity of acoustics, though, is only worthwhile if there is beauty in the source of the sound. This concert by Orchestra Iowa, with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale and the Coe College Concert Choir, along with guest soloists, provided beautiful, world-class sound of the sort Eastern Iowans should be proud.

Verdi's work is seldom performed because of its demands on musicians and resources alike. That the work was even undertaken by our musicians should make us proud! That the 85-minute masterpiece was superbly performed in every detail should be an inspiration to our community.

Yet, even the high quality of our organizations does not ensure a great performance; this comes from masterful, committed leadership. Maestro Tim Hankewich, conducting the monumental work from memory, sculpted every phrase, every dynamic, every emotional moment, every word of the Latin text with inspired command.

Of the nearly 400 concerts I have attended since 1970 by the Cedar Rapids Symphony, now Orchestra Iowa, this is the pinnacle, the finest musical moment in their history. Congratulations are due.

Jerry Owen

Emeritus

Professor of Music,

Coe College