On Tuesday, March 12th at 7pm, four student soloists performed with the Edina High School Orchestra at their annual Concerto Concert. Students learned a piece with their private teachers, memorized it, audition in October, and then performed with either the Symphony or the Chamber Orchestra.

Senior Lauren Groffsky, who has been playing the cello for eight years performed  Elgar’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E minor with the Symphony Orchestra. Groffsky believes the concert is an important musical because, “it is a very different experience to play as a soloist.” She also added, “people in band or choir who have solos can also audition.” Besides EHS orchestra, she is involved in Chamber Orchestra, Mock Trial, and the Great Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.

Junior Maren Kizershot also performed with the Symphony Orchestra. She played Beethoven’s Romance No. 2 in F major. She has played the violin for 12 years and is in Chamber Orchestra and GTCYS with Groffsky, and is also a part of the All State Orchestra. Kizershot agreed with Groffsky that the concert is a great opportunity for students to “perform their piece for their peer with the accompaniment of an orchestra.”

Elise Georis, a senior who has been playing violin for 14 years, was the third soloist with the Symphony Orchestra. She is performing the first movement of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. She said “it’s incredibly satisfying to practice a piece for years and perform it in front of people who are just as excited about classical music as you are.” She added, “it’s a challenge to engage the audience for a full fifteen minutes, but if you’re successful, it’s also quite rewarding.” She is a part of GTCYS, Chamber Orchestra and All State Orchestra. She is also captain of the girls’ swim team, math team, and knowledge masters, and a member of the quiz bowl team. Along with all of her school and orchestra activities, she is a lifeguard at the Edina Country Club and a volunteer at Mt. Olivet Nursing Home.

Vikram Puram is a junior who plays flute for Concert Band performed Concerto in G Major by Pergolesi with the Chamber Orchestra. He has been playing flute for seven years, and is also involved in the speech, math, and debate teams.

The Concerto Concert is a rewarding experience for both soloists and members of the orchestra, and a great concert to attend.