Andy Auel
Reporter
October 26, 2004
After a long day of events, Homecoming came to a close on Saturday evening with a musical collaboration between the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, Milligan College Concert Choir and Alumni Choir at Seeger Chapel.
“A Musical Homecoming” was conducted by Maestro Lewis Dalvit and featured the distinguished tenor Frank Little as a guest artist and soloist. According to the program, 69 orchestra personnel filled the front of the stage with approximately 70 student and alumni choir members behind them.
This event was open to the general public as well as Milligan students and alumni and was the first concert of the season for the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra.
Johnson City residents Ralph and Donna Sims have attended the Orchestra’s events for the past 25 years with Ralph performing and Donna seated in the balcony.
“It gets better every year,” said Donna. “It’s just so soothing.”
After a few greetings and announcements, the Orchestra, without introduction, blasted forth “The Star Spangled Banner,” and the crowd of approximately 700 people rose to their feet and joined the choir in singing.
The two final pieces of the concert were from Richard Rodgers’ “Carousel.” “Soliloquy” was first and then the slow, comforting finale of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with a powerful solo by Little, further bolstered by Milligan’s choir.
“It was the time of my life.” said freshman choir member Megan Gable.
The next concert performance by the Orchestra is scheduled for Nov. 13 at Seeger Chapel.