Whitewater Times

Maranatha Baptist University's Chamber Strings will perform a joint concert with the Kettle Moraine Symphony this week. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, in Jackson, WI. The combined symphony orchestra will present a program titled “Space Odyssey,” featuring "Planets" by Gustav Holst and "Adventures on Earth" from John Williams’ “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.” This concert is part of the KMS’s annual theme, “Season of Exploration.”

The Kettle Moraine Symphony (KMS) was established in 1986 with the mission to provide outstanding orchestral performances that engage the community and inspire audiences of all ages. The non-profit organization relies on community support, grants, donations, and sponsorships for funding. Under the direction of Dr. Richard Hynson, a composer and teacher, KMS performs multiple concerts each year.

Maranatha’s Chamber Strings, led by faculty member Melody Steinbart, embraced the opportunity to collaborate with KMS. Steinbart appreciates "Dr. Hynson’s desire to encourage young musicians by allowing them to join KMS." She also noted that this concert gives students "the opportunity to perform standard collegiate full orchestral works."

Members of Maranatha’s Chamber Strings are excited about the upcoming concert. Freshman violist Andrew Lont described collaboration as "a thrilling experience you can’t get anywhere else." He mentioned that it has shown him what he needs to improve and how to adjust his playing to match others around him.

Another orchestra member, Virginia Cooper, commented on KMS's skill level: "They are amazing musicians and it challenges me to be better when I hear how well they work together." Both Lont and Cooper favor “Jupiter,” a piece about “The Bringer of Jollity.”

Tickets for the combined KMS and MBU symphonic orchestra concert are available now.