Orchestra Performs “Music of Love and War”

The NIC Cardinal Chamber Orchestra performed “Music of Love and War,” a collection of baroque style music, at the Coeur d’Alene First Presbyterian Church on Sunday.

The concert, directed by Gerard Mathes, ranged from classics such as “Suite from Julius Caesar” by Handel to the “Game of Thrones” theme by Ramin Djawadi.

“Music of Love and War.” – Taylor Nadauld/The Sentinel

“I really liked it and I really loved the way that they put it together,” NIC student Madalyn Forthman said. “I didn’t really know we had an orchestra, so it was really cool to see that we had one.”

NIC Chamber Orchestra conductor, Gerard Mathes – Taylor Nadauld/The Sentinel

Soloists included Alyssa Maurer who sang a soprano solo in “Lament from Dido and Aeneas,” Casey Marotta on percussion in “Game of Thrones,” Sarah Ranftl on the organ in “Adagio in G Minor,” and Keegan Bernardin on the violin in “Autumn.”

Alyssa Maurer sings a solo in “Lament from Dido and Aeneas.” – Taylor Nadauld/The Sentinel

“My favorite piece that we performed tonight would probably be either ‘Autumn’ at the very end that I had a solo in. or the ‘Game of Thrones’ theme was pretty cool too,” Bernardin said.

Solos and performances like this do not come without intense practice and determination, according to Bernardin, who said the orchestra has been working on the performance since the start of the semester, meeting and playing at least once a week, and even twice a week in recent days before the concert, on top of practice at home. However, the practice appears to be worth it for a successful show.

“I’m just really happy to be a part of the string program here at NIC and I’m really looking forward to continuing my membership in this program next semester,” Bernardin said.

NIC Chamber Orchestra performs “Music of Love and War.” – Taylor Nadauld/The Sentinel

The North Idaho College Music Department’s next event, “Sounds of Christmas,” will be held in the Schuler Performing Arts Center in Boswell Hall on Saturday, December 6, at 6:30 pm and Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m.