The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra performed its Fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 20. Conducted by SMSU professor Dr. Daniel Rieppel, the “It’s a Classic!” concert drew in people throughout the area to the Marshall High School. All the pieces of the night’s performance were in the theme of “classical.” Songs ranged from Mozart to a medley of James Bond themes.

“I think this is the most varietal concert we ever had,” said Rieppel at the concert.
Pieces performed were “The National Anthem,” “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” “Concerto in E-flat Major,” “Themes from ‘007,’” “Palladio—Concerto grosso,” “The Typewriter,” “Concerto for Harpsichord, Woodwinds, Strings, and Percussion,” and “Prelude to ‘Die Meistersinger.’”

SMSU student Danae Aslesen was featured on piano and made her SMO debut during “Concerto in E-flat Major.” In the sixth piece performed, Dr. Rieppel used a typewriter as an instrument and played it along with his orchestra. Filling in his conducting shoes was SMSU President Connie J. Gores.

“Concerto for Harpsichord, Woodwinds, Strings, and Percussion” was composed by SMSU professor Robert Butler Whitcomb. The piece featured Dr. Julieta Alvarado, wife of Dr. Rieppel, on the harpsichord as a soloist.

The SMO has been around for over 35 years, and consists of SMSU students and staff, high school students, and members of the community. Their next concert, “A Very Prairie Christmas,” will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 at the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts.