Chris Jones: Greene Publishing, Inc.
North Florida Community College (NFCC) played host to an extremely talented orchestra from Russia as part of its annual Artist Series. NFCC started the Artist Series in 1959. The program is designed to bring performing arts and art education to the region. On Friday, Feb. 3, the college's Van H. Priest Auditorium hosted the Russian String Orchestra, a 13-piece group consisting of violins, violas, cellos and a bass. Formerly known as Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, the Russian String Orchestra is a group of highly talented youth, led by founder and Director Misha Rachlevsky.
The evening started with a Sonata for strings that allowed the musicians to warm up for what would be a nearly two-hour performance. A large crowd of attendees attentively enjoyed the performance, eager to praise the execution of each piece by the orchestra. Some were so eager, that Director Rachlevsky had to remind the audience with a swift and deliberate raise of his hand that the piecet was not yet complete, and applause should be reserved until the conclusion. Perhaps the most rousing piece of the evening was Czardas, composed by Eskender Bekmambetoz, who writes music especially for the Orchestra. As the tempo increased. the musicians' fingers seemed to fly up and down their stringed instruments. As if to punctuate the audible frenzy, the performers slowly stood, one-by-one, and physically displayed their enthusiasm for the music.
David Deckard, a Madison resident, forester and property manager for Madison Youth Ranch, stated that he and his wife take in classical music performances whenever they have the opportunity. He encourages all Madison residents to take advantage of opportunities to see performances such as the Russian String Orchestra.
Another Madison resident, Jean Mills, attended the performance with her Husband Gary and two friends from Valdosta, Ga. She stated “We have season passes for the performances and we have enjoyed all of them that we have come to.” Recommending others look into purchasing season passes she said “...they are at a very good price.”
The NFCC Artist Series continues on Thursday, Feb. 23 with the Peking Acrobats, Chinese troupe of performers who have been displaying agility and grace for over 30 years. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children and students.