Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra enchants Fenway Center during fall concert

Isaac Pedersen, photo correspondent

December 8, 2024

NUSO conductor Evan Bennett orchestrates the first piece of the concert, “Overture To The Wreckers.” Orchestra members followed his lead closely as the concert unfolded.

The Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra, or NUSO, delivered a breathtaking performance featuring three historical pieces at its Fall Concert Nov. 22 at the Fenway Center.

The concert began with Ethel Smyth’s “Overture to The Wreckers,” a stimulating piece holding brilliantly delivered themes of defiance and resilience. The orchestra followed with an eerie undertone courtesy of “Passacaglia” by Benjamin Britten, a piece exploring tension through heavy violin use. NUSO closed out the night in ceremonious fashion, performing a lively and extensive piece by Antonín Dvořák, “Symphony No. 6,” which pays homage to Romantic-era composition.

As soon as the doors opened at 7:00 p.m., family and friends flooded into audience seats, filling the venue within minutes. At the same time, NUSO members prepared in different ways. Some took their seats on stage and closely examined the complex compositions in front of them, others exchanged thoughts on the upcoming show while the rest sat with their friends and simply waited. The room was electric; performers and audience members alike were in high spirits with laughter and smiles carrying across the room.

As the orchestra launched into Smyth’s “Overture to The Wreckers,” the audience was immediately immersed. The bold melodies enchanted the hall with a unique and captivating energy, and as the final echoes of violin drifted through the room, the audience erupted with applause. The orchestra took pride in their first performance, sharing smiles while stomping their feet to applaud their fellow band members.

The concert continued, alternating between gorgeous scores ringing throughout the space and applause and cheering. It came to a close as the entire audience stood and ferociously applauded.

“Each piece takes you on a unique journey — whether it’s upbeat and electrifying or smooth and soulful. It’s a joy to witness,” said Juno Zhu, a second-year media innovation and data communication graduate student and NUSO’s photographer. This was a sentiment surely shared by most — as the orchestra closed their fall performance, there were already murmurs of the winter concert.

Flowers wait for their recipient on an unused piano. Many people in the audience brought flowers and chocolates for friends and family in the orchestra. (Isaac Pedersen)

A lighting technician prepares for the concert to start. As the show began and the lights dimmed, the vibrant colors of the performance were put on full display. (Isaac Pedersen)

A violinist gives a loving embrace to her family in the audience. Performers eagerly waited to see their family members and beamed with appreciation for their support. (Isaac Pedersen)

A timpani drummer takes a stoic approach to prepare for the concert. As the orchestra got ready, the buzz of conversations and the sound of tuning instruments filled the room while some performers sat in their own thoughts to prepare. (Isaac Pedersen)

Families and friends line the Fenway Center, maxing out the capacity of the venue. All audience seats in the venue were filled within 10 minutes of doors opening. (Isaac Pedersen)

A violinist stands after a solo. The chapel thundered with applause after the first piece, Ethel Symth’s “Overture to The Wreckers,” came to a close. (Isaac Pedersen)

A student practices notes during an intermission between pieces. The student played the violin by strumming the strings, casting the bow aside to practice notes for the next part of the performance. (Isaac Pedersen)

Bennett examines sheet music with his hand in the air before addressing the band. The band closely followed their conductor, moving through the pieces with precision and grace. (Isaac Pedersen)

Cellists hum to themselves and poke at strings while waiting for the concert to begin. The four cellists maintained an intentional and passionate effect throughout the performance. (Isaac Pedersen)

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