Oct. 10 marked the opening night at the Newman Center for the Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and with Lawrence Golan at their head, they brought their audience to their feet multiple times during the night. The three-piece program featured works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Strauss and Johannes Brahms.

Each piece was longer than the last, with the final piece logging around 40 minutes of four exceptionally different movements that wrapped up the show with a big and loud finish underscoring the talent showcased.

The featured artists of the evening were clarinetist Jeremy Reynolds and Martin Kuuskmann on the bassoon, both of whom are professors of their respective instruments at the Lamont School of Music. They are also both world-renowned masters of their instrument and have played all over the world.

Kuuskmann dedicated the piece to his student who tragically died ten days before the show, and he went on to say that “he absolutely loved the bassoon.” This dedication surprised not only the audience but also the orchestra themselves who did not know that it would be taking place. This gave the piece new meaning, and the performance was felt more deeply by the audience because of it.

Comprised of three movements, the “Duet-Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon with String Orchestra and Harp” made the instruments talk back and forth, mirroring the other, saying their own lines and building off of one another. This created a very dynamic atmosphere that kept the listener engaged and dreading the final note. And, unlike traditional classical pieces, it ended quietly which was a perfect way to conclude the dedicated work.

The technical skills displayed by the musicians could rival any respected orchestra in the world. Despite their youth the students, both graduate and undergraduate, displayed remarkable artistry for only having these pieces for a short amount of time before the performance. The Lamont School of Music has gained musicians from around the country, and the world and is committed to creating experiences that prepare their students for the professional world.

This was especially evident during the second movement when the cellos took control of the piece and struck a chord with their wonderful playing. Their power over the audience was most apparent during the final piece. Each movement became its own narrative that all came together in the end.