Principal Conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Carlos Miguel Prito, center, conducts the orchestra in one of the night’s renditions of classical pieces with a western twist. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performed at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts with their western rendition of a few various classical pieces. 

“Beethoven Meets the Wild West” was held on Feb. 16 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. and  included the following works: Gioachino Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” Aaron Copland’s “Corral Nocturne” and “Hoe Down” from Rodeo and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral.” The atmosphere of both the performers and audience was unique. The evening was a laid-back affair as compared to conventional orchestra performances. Principal Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto along with the orchestra interacted with the audience during the 20-minute intermission. One audience member was fellow conductor Assistant Professor of Violin and Orchestra Director Dr. Victor Correa-Cruz.

“I think it’s a wonderful program,” said Correa-Cruz. “The orchestra sounds good. I have heard them before, so I am becoming one of their fans here in Hammond. I am a conductor myself, and I’m always looking forward to listening to live music, live orchestral music.”

Since the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing concerts at the Columbia Theatre, Correa-Cruz has been motivated to attend more events at the theater.

 “Since they come here often, I come as much as I can,” said Correa-Cruz. “I think Hammond is very lucky to have them coming so many times per season. It’s a nice thing for all of us to start our weekend with them, musically speaking.”

Correa-Cruz attended the event with others in the musical community at the university and shared in the unique performance music. 

“The program, as I said, is very attractive, and I’m meeting with some of my students here, my colleagues,” said Correa-Cruz. “For the music department community, this is an event worth coming to. It’s always very enriching to see other orchestras.” 

According to their website, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively-operated orchestra in the United States, performing since 1991 where they produce a variety of music genres with the newly added western theme to their repertoire. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra introduced the audience to a new outlook. Julie Douglas found the mix of genres amusing.

“I love it,” said Douglas. “It’s funny. You know it’s humorous, and I like it. I just like watching everybody play the different instruments.” 

Fellow audience member Paul Engeriser finds the Columbia Theatre to be an excellent place for entertainment and hopes that the venue will offer more concerts such as “Beethoven Meets the Wild West.” 

“We just wanted to be able to do more cultural events, and we live on the Northshore, and this is kind of a nice amusement for us,” said Engeriser. “I wish they could do more events. I think we would really support it, and I hope to see more of them up here on the Northshore.”