Senior Kirstin Palumbo and sophomore Gabriella “Bella” Evans will add a bit of science to the arts when the Washington Symphony Orchestra performs a concert at 3 p.m. March 1 at Trinity High School.
Cal U students Gabriella Evans (left) and Kirstin Palumbo work on a slideshow for the Washington Symphony Orchestra concert at Trinity High School on March 1.
Senior Kirstin Palumbo and sophomore Gabriella “Bella” Evans will add a bit of science to the arts when the Washington Symphony Orchestra performs a concert at 3 p.m. March 1 at Trinity High School.
The Cal U students, both majoring in environmental studies with concentrations in fisheries and wildlife biology, are producing a slideshow for the performance of composer Alan Hovhaness’ “And God Created Great Whales.” The song, which incorporates recorded sounds of bowhead and humpback whales, is part of the WSO’s The Beauty of the Beasts concert.
Dr. Yugo Ikach, dean of Cal U’s College of Graduate Studies and Research, and professor in the Department of Music and Theatre, is the WSO’s music director and principal conductor. He asked faculty for help in bringing the song to life.
Dr. Carol Bocetti, from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, forwarded Ikach’s request for images to accompany the sounds to Palumbo.
“Dr. Ikach said when people think of whales, they think of these immense creatures swimming freely through the ocean, and he wanted the slideshow to capture it,” said Palumbo, president of Cal U’s chapter of The Wildlife Society.
“We used both those species but also any other species that we could find that captured that image and would go along with that piece.”
The song lasts almost 12 minutes, and more than 35 pictures will used.
“I think the visuals will really tie in everything so you not only can picture what they look like, but also capture the feeling in your chest when the orchestra plays the whale calls,” Palumbo said. “Hopefully the audience will really get a feeling for how these creatures are.”
Palumbo added that the slideshow project fits with the society’s main objective: increasing awareness and appreciation of wildlife. The society will have an information table at Trinity High School.
“We are focused on community outreach and environmental education,” she said. “The materials we distribute will give those who attend the concert background information on different species of whales, what distinguishes them and why they’re so important in our oceans,” she said.
Ikach has used Cal U student musicians in WSO events, most notably holiday performances, for years. He is pleased to include another academic area.
“I am looking forward to this collaboration, and Kirstin and Bella are enthusiastic about this,” he said. “This is another positive way for Cal U students to show their skills in the community.”
Tickets for the Washington Symphony Orchestra are available online at www.washsym.org or by calling 888-718-4253. Tickets for The Beauty of the Beasts are available at Citizens Library and Peters Township Public Library; tickets also are available at the door. Cal U students with a valid CalCard are admitted free of charge to WSO concerts.