Spring Orchestra Concert

Vincent Jie '27 (Arts Associate) in Arts | April 11, 2025

On the evening of April 4, 2025, the Edith Memorial Chapel reverberated with the rich sounds of the Lawrenceville Orchestra’s Spring Concert. Under the baton of Nico Olarte-Hayes, the ensemble performed a diverse program—from classical pieces to modern selections—while celebrating the dedication of its senior musicians.

Reflecting on the concert, Olarte-Hayes remarked, “I thought the concert went great… I think it was the best run-through of any of the pieces we’ve done.” He credited both weekly rehearsals and the students’ commitment for the polished result. “They [the students] all did very well, and it all came together in the last week.” When asked about the soon-to-be graduates, Olarte-Hayes expressed, “they’re great. I wish they could get a separate bow…I’ve known them since their first year, and they’re all excellent. I hope the number of [V Formers] in the group keeps growing.”

For many V Formers, the concert marked a bittersweet finale for their Lawrenceville journey. Violinist Arisa Okamura ’25 captured the conflicting emotions: “I feel a bit sad that it’s ending, but I’m also glad that it’s over…I’m mostly sad that it’s ending because I really liked playing in the orchestra, and it was a really good community to be in for four years.”

Not all V Formers are entirely closing the door on their orchestral careers. Cellist Angela Yang ’25 shared her hopes of returning post-graduation, saying, “maybe I’ll drive [an] hour down here to watch in my next two years.” Her anticipation underscores the bittersweet mood shared by parents, friends, and alumni who gathered to witness the V Formers’ last concert. Similarly, violist Arya Vishwakarma ’25 stated, “Yes, I will come back for every concert, as well as every Midday Music.” Her enthusiasm reflects a sentiment shared by many who have found lifelong friendships through their involvement in the ensemble.

To support Lawrenceville’s Philharmonic and Collegium Orchestras, alumnus Anabel Guerreiro ’24 returned to campus to watch the spring concert. Asked about her musical career at Lawrenceville, she reflected, “it was one of my favorite parts of Lawrenceville…it meant so much to me.” Guerreiro’s presence at the final concert of the year speaks volumes about the lasting bonds forged in the orchestra—proof that music and community drawn from Lawrenceville linger long after graduation.

While the V Formers savored their final bows, younger members of the orchestra rose to the occasion. Bella Wu ’28, a violist, remarked that “the pieces here are a lot harder than my old orchestra, so [she has] had to practice more to keep up.” “I think I improved a lot,” she said.

Isabelle Lee ’27, a violinist, echoed Wu’s sentiment, adding that she felt that the orchestra “successfully carried out the performance,” despite inevitable challenges. “Everybody was really good,” she said, crediting both teamwork and consistent rehearsal efforts for the orchestra’s unified sound on stage.

Applause echoed through Edith Memorial Chapel as the orchestra played its final note. Many of the V Formers lingered afterward, cherishing their last moments performing together as Lawrenceville students. “In a way, this performance is a culmination of all the work we put in over the end of winter term and spring term,” commented Jenny Zhao ’25. “It’s a really great way to end things.”

Though the V Formers will be missed and fondly remembered for their contributions, in many ways, this concert felt like the perfect culmination of months—if not years—of hard work and close-knit collaboration. Seeing the V Formers share their final bows, surrounded by parents, friends, and alumni, reminded me that at its core, Lawrenceville’s Orchestra isn’t just in the music—it’s in the community that forms around it. Long after the last note faded, the warmth and shared memories remained, which stands as a testament to the power of music to bring people together across generations.

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Spring Orchestra Concert