With their previous annual Christmas Concert held in Ruppert Hall, the Loyola Symphony Levite Orchestra performed their Spring Orchestra Concert in Hannon Theatre this past Thursday. Additionally, the ensemble performed in Europe over spring break and the
award ceremony this past Tuesday.
The orchestra includes 30 students from all grade levels, and entry into the ensemble is no mean feat.
Noah Ting ‘28 stated, “The orchestra is highly selective and has high standards.”
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, the ensemble members rehearse before school and “meet on Fridays after school… rehearsing for three to four hours,” Karoline Menezes, the director of the orchestra, explained.
“My vision and goals for our Loyola Symphony Orchestra revolve around creating a dynamic and multifaceted musical ensemble that showcases the hard work and talent of our musicians on campus. I believe an orchestra ensemble, in general, is a place where musicians cultivate leadership, discipline and teamwork. Throughout my career leading various musical ensembles, I’ve witnessed how the structure and creativity within a musical space can help personal growth and transformation,” Menezes emphasized.
One of their first performances was playing at the Open House earlier this school year.
Ting shared, “It was cool to perform with the people I saw when I was touring the school.”
Now, as a musician in this ensemble, he can similarly inspire the next generation of Loyola musicians.
This past spring break, 15 members of the orchestra showcased their talents on an international stage, traveling to Europe to per-
form at two concerts in Germany. In Berlin, they showed off their musical expertise at the Berlin Cosmopolitan School, a private international school for preschool through grade 12. The orchestra also played at MitMachMusik, a program for refugee children. Bringing refugee and local children together through free music lessons, MitMachMusik helps children connect, learn and build confidence all through music.
While sharing their passion for music internationally, the ensemble experienced Europe’s rich cultural diversity firsthand. Joseph Hernandez Vidal ’26 shared, “I was amazed by the hospitality and simplicity of the people. I was also mesmerized by the architecture in Czechia with large bridges where performers would play.”
Every performance is more than just playing the right notes and staying on the beat; it’s about expressing enthusiasm, telling a story through music and connecting with listeners. Whether offering music therapy for refugee children or practicing biweekly in Berendo, music is much more than notes on a staff: it is a way to share emotions, express ourselves and build connections, all without words.
