Students enrolled in the Sitka International Cello Seminar will present a concert on Saturday evening at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The seven-week seminar, now in its tenth year, has welcomed cellists from Beijing, Salzburg, and across the United States. The concert will serve as the culmination of a program that has included master classes, private lessons with professional musicians, and informal afternoon performances.
The cello’s role in music has grown significantly over the centuries. Originally primarily a supporting instrument, it has gained prominence as a solo instrument with a rich repertoire. Composers such as Bach, Haydn, and Beethoven expanded the cello’s musical possibilities, and in the 19th and 20th centuries, the cello became a cornerstone of orchestral and chamber music. Now, it looks as though its spirit is still living on through the spirit of children in Sitka.