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Fall Orchestra Concert at Evangel University features student soloists

Published on Oct 25, 2017 by Evangel University News

The Fall Orchestra Concert at Evangel University will feature two student soloists and a musical selection that will celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

The concert is free and open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m., in the Robert H. Spence Chapel.

Amanda Johnson and Luke Slater will be featured as soloists in Aaron Copland’s hauntingly beautiful Quiet City. For this work, Johnson will perform on the English horn and Slater will perform on the trumpet.

In celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, the University Orchestra will also perform Vaclav Nelhybel’s A Mighty Fortress. Written in 1972 on Luther’s famous hymn, this work effectively portrays Martin Luther’s deep faith as well as the conflict and struggle that were a part of the Reformation that changed the Western world.

In addition to these featured works, the concert also includes works by Beethoven and Bizet.

The Evangel University Orchestra is directed by Dr. Larry Dissmore.

2017-11.02 Amanda & Luke, Orchestra
Amanda Johnson and Luke Slater // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Featured Soloists

Amanda Johnson is a senior elementary education major and has been playing the oboe for more than ten years.

She is the daughter of Martin and Jill Johnson, and is a native of Ventura, Calif. She received much of her musical training under the direction of Dr. Ted Sugata of the Pacific Symphony.

In high school, Johnson served in the top leadership position for the Ventura High School music department, and was featured as a concerto soloist in the spring of her senior year. She placed in the top three for the Woodwind Solo category at the Assemblies of God National Fine Arts Festival for two consecutive years.

Johnson currently plays the oboe and English horn in the Evangel University Orchestra.

Luke Slater is a sophomore at Evangel University, where he is majoring in film and minoring in music technology. A native of Springfield, Mo., he is the son of Kirk and Sheri Slater, and a graduate of the Gloria Deo Academy.

Slater began playing trumpet at the age of eight and has studied under Tim Wootton for the past ten years.

During his high school years, he was a member Missouri All-State Orchestra and band for four years. He also served as principal trumpet of the Springfield Youth Symphony, was chosen as a Youth Talent winner and was featured as soloist with that group in 2015.

Slater was also the National Award of Merit winner in the Brass Solo Division of the Assemblies of God National Fine Arts Festival in 2012.

Music Education at Evangel

The Evangel University Department of Music offers a variety of degree programs, including music performance, music education, music business, recording technology and worship leadership.

The department has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1970, and is also accredited by Missouri Association of Departments & Schools of Music.

For more information, contact Larry Dissmore at (417) 865-2815, ext. 8618.

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