A Trip to the Symphony: Duke Ellington’s The River and a Mozart Piano Concerto
Classic intermission photo at the stage with Symphony musicians
On November 22, students from the Philharmonia and Combo ensembles had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the Yakima Symphony Orchestra’s From the Danube to the Moldau concert—an evening themed around some of the most iconic rivers in classical music. Thanks to generously donated student tickets from the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, YAMA students and teachers were able to sit in the very front rows, close enough to see every detail of soloist Yerin Kim’s hands as she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. For several students, it was their first time experiencing orchestral music from such an intimate vantage point, and the evening left a lasting impression.
Experiencing the Rivers of Classical Music
The concert opened with Johann Strauss Jr.’s On the Beautiful Blue Danube, one of the most recognizable waltzes in the world. Students listened as the familiar lilting melody transported the hall to Vienna. This river-themed journey also included Bedřich Smetana’s sweeping The Moldau, a tone poem tracing the path of the Czech river from its bubbling springs to its majestic flow through the countryside.
Between these two classical landmarks, the program ventured into Duke Ellington’s The River, a jazz-infused ballet score that bridges orchestral tradition with the rich harmonies and rhythmic color of swing-era writing. And at the center of it all was Mozart’s dark and dramatic piano concerto, brought to life by Yerin Kim with both sensitivity and power.
From their seats just a few feet from the piano, YAMA students were able to watch the soloist’s artistry up close—her touch on the keys, the communication between her and the conductor, and the way her sound intertwined with the orchestra. Even though YAMA is a string music program, these lessons are continuously relevant for all music students.
A Listening Party Before the Music
Before attending the concert, students held a short listening party to familiarize themselves with excerpts from Ellington’s The River. They explored several movements imaginatively, sharing vivid imagery that emerged from the music.
For the first movement, “Spring,” students described scenes reminiscent of black-and-white film—mysterious castles, shadowy landscapes, and even a temple hidden in a forest being explored. Others noted a feeling of something “menacing,” like a suspenseful prelude to a story about to unfold.
In the third movement, “The Giggling Rapids,” they heard an entirely different atmosphere: the energy of a jazz club, or the feeling of strolling through a lively city neighborhood. Some imagined wine-and-dine scenes, where the music sparkled like conversation in a bustling restaurant.
The fifth movement, “Vortex,” had students picturing high-speed chase scenes, Tom-and-Jerry-style antics, and dramatic moments of suspense. They connected the swirling orchestration with cartoon motion, fight scenes, and the breathless pace of something spinning out of control.
Impressions from the Concert
Throughout the performance, students absorbed not just the notes but the emotional world behind each piece. Many were mesmerized by how close they were to the soloist and how clearly they could see her expressions, gestures, and musical interactions with the orchestra. Some found The River particularly exciting after having explored the piece earlier; they recognized themes, characters, and moods they had discussed during the listening party.
By the end of the evening, many students expressed how much more alive and vivid the music felt when heard in person, especially from seats so close to the performers. The combination of breathtaking playing, imaginative program design, and the chance to experience the orchestra together made this concert a special treat.
Post-taco pre-concert photo at the YAMA office
