Biola University
The Biola Conservatory of Music presented The Brilliance in concert during the spring 2019 semester, with the Biola Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Associate Professor Marlin Owen, and the Biola Chorale, conducted by Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities Shawna Stewart.
For two days leading up to the concert, the orchestra and chorale recorded an original suite for orchestra and band with The Brilliance. The suite, “The World Keeps Spinning,” is composed by John Arndt and David Gungor, and is inspired by the everlasting hope of Jesus amidst uncertain circumstances.
“This suite was birthed out of the question, ‘Are we now living in the final days?’” said Arndt.
Recording alongside The Brilliance provided students with the opportunity to experience the rigor of creating a professional recording.
“It made me appreciate how much work goes into recording music,” said Mikaela Borg, a sophomore violin performance major. “We were lucky to be working with someone like John [Arndt], who brought so much energy and enthusiasm into the room and made it fun!”
Following two days of intense recording, the groups performed the new work in concert. To open the concert, Elizabeth Larson, associate professor of violin and chamber music, performed “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams with the orchestra, setting the stage for the world premiere of “The World Keeps Spinning.”
To listen to “World Keeps Spinning” visit The Brilliance's website.
