Florida State University’s College of Music recently hosted its third annual Sing with the Symphony event, a highlight of FSU’s Festival of the Creative Arts that merged the artistry of music with the theme of mathematics.
This performance featured the University Symphony Orchestra, and the College of Music choirs, Levana and Chamber Choir. The conductors were Alexander Jiménez, Michael Hanawalt, McKenna Stenson and Guilherme Leal Rodrigues
“This event not only highlighted the creative collaboration between the arts and sciences but also reinforced FSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary work and community involvement,” said Iain Quinn, professor of organ, festival director and FSU’s research fellow in the arts and humanities. “The success of Sing with the Symphony is a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment. It was wonderful to welcome a significant audience from the larger Tallahassee community and the whole morning was very inspiring.”
Student composer Justine de Saint Mars had the first performance of her new piece, “The Mathematician’s Patterns,” using a text from the English mathematician G.H. Hardy as inspiration. The audience enthusiastically participated, singing along with the orchestra.
“When I was asked to compose a piece for the event, I knew I would have to get creative, as I am not a math person,” said de Saint Mars. “I used patterns of motifs and scattered them throughout the music and to be honest, it is one of my favorite pieces.”
This enthusiasm was also shared by those who brought the composition to life onstage.
“It was an honor to conduct the premiere of Justine’s piece, and I know it will be the first of many,” Stenson said. “Both orchestral and choral members connected to the patterns woven throughout the work. It was well received by the community and was an honor to help bring the piece to life.”
Jiménez, FSU’s professor of conducting and director of orchestral activities, emphasized the importance of community outreach, noting the joy and engagement of the children in the audience.
“With adult audiences, you can never be quite sure of their true thoughts, but when the children smiled and jumped up and down, it was true evidence of a job well done,” Jiménez said. “We strongly believe in community outreach, and Sing with the Symphony was a huge success in getting people of all ages to participate in this cross-disciplinary mission.”
The program also included selections from Gerald Finzi’s “Clarinet Concerto” and William Dawson’s “Negro Folk Symphony.” Faculty clarinetist Deborah Bish was the soloist in the clarinet concerto, adding to the morning’s highlights. Provost Clark and Leon County Schools Superintendent, Rocky Hanna, both delivered remarks that focused on the importance of the arts and humanities in relation to science and education.
For more information, visit research.fsu.edu/fca.