On Thursday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m., the Presbyterian College Orchestra and String Quintet graced the stage of Edmunds Hall for Resolute—a spring concert that resonated with both artistry and heart. With a thoughtfully curated program and a full house, the evening was a celebration of musical excellence and the poignant milestones that come with the close of a season, and for some, the end of a college journey.
The concert came during one of the busiest and most pressure-filled times of the academic year—Honors Week, with final exams just around the corner, and graduation just weeks away. Yet, despite the whirlwind of deadlines, ceremonies, and preparations, the PC Orchestra delivered a performance of remarkable focus and emotional depth. Their dedication to the music, even amid the demands of campus life, was nothing short of inspiring.
The program unfolded like a carefully crafted story, featuring selections from timeless composers. Beethoven’s rhythmic Alla Danza Tedesca danced with joy, Vivaldi’s Concerto in D sparkled with baroque brilliance, Schubert’s Allegretto from Symphony No. 3 breathed with lyric grace, and Albeniz’s Cordoba closed the night with rich, romantic color. Each piece allowed the ensemble to showcase not only their technical command but also a maturity of expression well beyond their years.
Under the direction of Dr. Giovani Briguente, the orchestra played with clarity and cohesion, their sound shaped by his elegant and evocative leadership. His presence on the podium served as both anchor and inspiration, drawing out the full emotional range of the music.
Among the evening’s most memorable moments were the expressive violin solos of Concertmaster Lauren Smoak, whose confident and lyrical playing anchored the ensemble throughout. Senior Alan Turner delivered a particularly moving performance on double bass—at once powerful and deeply personal. Reflecting on his final concert with the group, Turner shared,“This concert is bittersweet. I am going to miss playing here, but I’m glad to be graduating.”
The audience—an interwoven tapestry of students, faculty, families, and alumni—responded with warm, sustained applause and admiration. The performance’s reach extended beyond campus as well, with Laurens County School District 56 educators, Christy Corley and Travis Bouknight in attendance, accompanied by 11 students from the district’s Music and Arts Gifted and Talented program. Their presence underscored the broader significance of the evening—not just as a college concert, but as a vibrant moment of connection for the wider arts community and an inspiration to future young artists.
Among those deeply moved by the concert was PC alumnus Tom Scott, who reflected on the ensemble’s growth and the evening’s strong turnout:“They [the PC Orchestra] never sounded before like they have, and look at this amazing attendance. Thank you, Dr. G.”
As the final notes of Green Rythmico faded into the hall’s warm acoustics and the audience rose to its feet, Resolute left its mark as more than a concert. It was a reflection of dedication, growth, and the timeless bond music creates among those who play and those who listen. For the Presbyterian College community—and for the young artists quietly taking it all in—it was a night to remember, rich with beauty, gratitude, and inspiration.
