NATCHITOCHES – Andrej Balaž will find himself in a new role in a new environment when he steps on stage with the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra for its season opening concert on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Balaž is the orchestra’s concertmaster this season.
According to orchestra Musical Director Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, the concertmaster is second in command and responsible for getting the orchestra in tune.
“Orchestras have a chain of command,” said Bakenhus. “The conductor is the captain, then from top to bottom the chain goes strings first: concertmaster, to the first chairs of each section, the second in each section, then on to the brass sections and percussion. When I play in orchestras I watch the concertmaster as much as the conductor.”
Balaž said he was incredibly happy and proud when learning he would be the concertmaster.
“At the same time, I see it as a responsibility rather than just an honor,” said Balaž. “I want to do my best to support the orchestra, help create a positive environment within the section and contribute as much as I can to the overall performance.
Balaž earned his undergraduate degree in violin performance at the Academy of Arts in his hometown of Novi Sad, Serbia. He learned about NSU through Professor of Violin and Assistant Conductor Dr. Andrej Kurti, who is from Serbia.
Learning about the university and the music program through him really encouraged me to explore the opportunity, said Balaž. “So far, I have had a very positive experience at Northwestern State. Everyone has been very welcoming, and I really enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The orchestra has been a lot of fun to be a part of, and I have enjoyed getting to know the other musicians and being involved in the musical community.”
Balaž feels he has adjusted well to being in the United States.
“Many things here are quite different from what I am used to, but I actually think that is one of the most exciting parts of the experience,” said Balaž. “Being in a completely different environment has been a challenge in a good way, and I have really enjoyed learning from it and experiencing something new.”
The orchestra’s season theme is “American Mosaic,” celebrating our nation’s rich musical heritage from patriotic anthems and folk traditions to contemporary masterworks.
The Sept. 22 concert is titled “A Celebration of 250 Years of the United States of America” Tickets are$16.50 each and can be purchased online at https://nnssla.org/. There is an added charge for buying tickets online. For more information, email NSUsymphony@gmail.com. NSU, LSMSA and BPCC@NSU students are admitted free with a current student I.D.
A member appreciation reception will precede the concert from 5:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. The concert will be a patriotic tribute celebrating the ideals, courage and history that shaped our nation. It will feature retired music faculty member and former orchestra conductor Richard Rose’s “Celebration Overture,” NSU alumna Nettie Chenevert’s “Dear Enemy Overture” and other favorites including a Salute to the Armed Forces, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America” with the Cane River Singers.
“I think the program for this concert is definitely something special,” said Balaž. “Before coming here, I had never really encountered this kind of music, and I had never performed American music before. That is one thing that makes this experience exciting for me. I am really happy to have the opportunity to discover and perform music that is new to me, and I am looking forward to sharing it with the audience.”
Caption
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra Musical Director Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, left, with concertmaster Andrej Balaž.