The Show Must Go On

Lynn Philharmonia Concerts Return to the Wold Performing Arts Center in March

By Luca Robinson, Staff Writer

On March 18 and 19, Lynn University’s Philharmonia returned to the World Performing arts Center to once again transport the audience into the world of classical entertainment.

Under the musical direction of maestro Guillermo Figueroa and accompanied by double bassist Timothy Cobb, the evening featured such works as “Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90 (Italian)” by Felix Mendelssohn, “Concerto No. 2 for Double Bass in B minor” by Giovanni Bottesini and “Symphony No. 1 in D major (Titan)” by Gustav Mahler.

Lynn University’s world-renowned philharmonia has been in existence since the establishment of the Conservatory of Music, and Figueora has served as its director and conductor for the past 10 years since his arrival to Lynn University. The orchestra presents six symphonic programs during the school year in addition to community outreach concerts.

“I’m very proud of our students’ proficiency. Being able to teach and mentor the students in masterpieces, which they very often encounter for the very first time, is an absolute thrill and privilege,” said Figueroa. “To share in their discoveries and guide them through appreciating the music is a great responsibility but an endless source of pleasure.”

With over 70 members, Lynn’s Philharmonia is truly diverse and inclusive, and it welcomes students from all over the world. Students from the U.S., China, Russia and the Dominican Republic, to name a few, are brought together year after year by their love for music and performance.

“Occasionally, we hire outside musicians whenever the score calls for an instrument we do not have in the school, such as saxophone, or when the music requires larger forces,” said Figueora.

Among the hardest-working and most dedicated students at Lynn, both undergraduate and graduate students in the program practice daily, hours on end, and are ready to amaze music lovers even in the most unusual circumstances.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no exception. While many orchestras and musical entertainment venues closed their doors, Lynn’s Philharmonia opened theirs to an online audience via Zoom, with a fully virtual, collaborative concert performed and edited by students. Fittingly, they played the “Hungarian March” by Hector Berlioz to show their spirit: “The show must go on!”

The Lynn Philharmonia is unique. From purely classical repertoires at Christmas time fundraisers to modern, 21^st century musical twists at Lynn’s annual Celebration of the Arts, conservatory students and faculty do it all. All Lynn students and members of the Lynn community are welcome to attend concerts free of charge but must request a ticket from the Box Office at the Wold Performing Arts Center. 

Visit Lynn.edu/events to find out more about upcoming concerts, recitals and events.