MVHS and Mission Chamber Orchestras will perform together at the Latin Passions Concert

A blend of well-tuned instruments symphonizes, each manipulated skillfully—each stroke, each note crafted to form part of a series of rhythmic patterns, almost mathematical in their precise execution.

That’s perfection.

Two groups of perfectionists, the MVHS Chamber Orchestra and the Mission Chamber Orchestra, will play together in the Latin Passions Concert that will be held Feb.12 at Le Petit Trianon. Both orchestras, though spread over a wide range of ages, play together in perfect harmony. The only piece they will play together is “La Oracion del Torrero”, but the rich, layered sound they produced is a resounding promise as to what both orchestras are capable of if they were combined again in the future.

The perfection and precision of each piece can largely be credited to conductor and music director Emily Ray, the commanding presence at the podium, who knows exactly how to bring the best sound out of the orchestra. She demands nothing but the best from her orchestra, and during rehearsals, Ray stops them partway, saying things like, “This is why I wanted to do that part. There’s too much bow. I want that pianissimo on the downbeat.”

“La Oracion del Torrero” is a piece of many levels. It begins lightly, but with a deeper undercurrent. As the piece continues, it becomes increasingly compelling—a teasing, tantalizing tango with darkness. Throughout, the piece goes from subtle to rousing and many shades in between. The violins and basses are the key instruments in this piece, although it would not be the multifaceted masterpiece it is without every instrument contributing to the aura.

Hazel Cheilek will be one of the members playing along side the MVHS students. Cheilek, who has been playing with the Mission Chamber Orchestra for about a year, but has played violin since she was 10 years old, said that her favorite piece was “La Oracion del Torrero.”

“It’s a nice combination of melody and rhythm, and it’s romantic,” Cheilek said. “[And] I like playing with students because in my younger years, I played in my high school orchestra, so [the experience] takes me back a few years.”

From there, the Mission Chamber Orchestra will continue on alone, playing pieces such as “Tico”, by American composer Deussen, and Spanish composer Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”. The latter will be accompanied by harpist Dan Levitan. His talents on the harp bring an almost dreamlike quality to the first movement of the piece, which is largely composed of a light and lively staccato. While the harp brings that whimsical quality, the basses and the addition of trumpets anchor the piece.

The second movement brings a slightly more melancholy feel, shifting to a minor key. The highlight is the harp solo, but after that, things are still richer than before. The third movement is similar to the first, but brings back elements from the second. All together, the orchestra really brings out the lilting, enthralling quality that makes Latin music so enchanting—and so different from the usual repertoire of both orchestras.

“In all my years, I haven’t played any Spanish music.” Cheilek said, “so it’s nice to get to play some Spanish [pieces].”

The passion and romantic quality of Latin music makes it perfect for this concert centered around Valentines’ Day. Hopefully, audience will fall in love with the amazing sound of both the MVHS and Mission Chamber Orchestra—together—in the years to come.

The concert will be held at Le Petit Trianon in San Jose on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.