Elon University’s Department of Music hosted a performance by the university orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at McCrary Theatre.
The Elon University Orchestra has been a mainstay of the university since 1916, making 2022 its 106th year of performing.
The show tonight was organized by orchestra director, Thomas Erdmann, who was originally set to conduct the show but had to withdraw due to health issues. In his place, the concert was conducted by his assistant Veronica Biscocho, who is also orchestra director of Williams High School.
Tonight’s performance was an arrangement of classical symphonies and original works composed by resident in-house composer Thomas Turanchik, whose work was highly praised by Erdmann.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Thomas Turanchik,” Erdmann said. “His professional music is always challenging and is always a high point for our concerts.”
The showcase also included a performance by soprano guest soloist Polly Butler Cornelius. Cornelius is an award winning Polish classical and film music composer known best for his work on movies like “Bram Stokers Dracula” and 2003 Oscar Best Picture Nominee “The Pianist”.
“I am totally impressed with how hard my students work,” Erdmann said. “We don’t do ‘cut-down’ arrangements, we do actual professional music.”