The Mercy Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Mrs. Marianne Corrigan, performed at the performing arts department’s annual spring concert, Spring Awakening.

The orchestra opened their portion of the concert with Gustav Holst’s “I Vow to Thee, My Country” from Jupiter, The Planets in which the cello section, comprised of senior Nia Boone, sophomore Alia Fuqua and freshman Zora Pullen, presented the melody with overflowing passion.

“Being in Mercy’s orchestra for four years has been an amazing experience for me,” said Boone. “I felt like all of our time and dedication we have put in for this concert was worth it,” she said.

Next, senior violinist Jessalyn Geer began the orchestra’s second piece, Ashokan Farewell by Jay Unger, with a chilling solo before being joined by the other members of the orchestra.

The orchestra’s third piece,Concerto a Cinque, Op. 7, No. 1, was written by the Italian Baroque composer,Tomaso Albinoni. Their fourth piece, however, is well known among many students: the Beatles’ famous song, “Yesterday”

The orchestra’s next piece was certainly ‘last but not least’: an arrangement of “Pastoral” from Beethoven’s Symphony No.6, featuring junior Brianna Hines on clarinet.

Under the direction of Mrs. Corrigan, the orchestra has grown tremendously in just two short years.

“I love being with a group of people who collaborate together to achieve something so beautiful,” said Fuqua.

Along with the orchestra,the concert also featured Glee I, the Mercyaires, and a special guest: the St. Mary’s Jazz Ensemble.

“I have seen this orchestra grow within my four years here at Mercy and I am really going to miss everyone involved,” said Boone.