For the first time, Loyola Chamber Orchestra students left their familiar performing space to joined forces with the Brass Society at a concert under the Audubon Park oaks.

On Sunday, April 10, the orchestra and brass band assembled a free spring concert, which was open to the public, at the Newman Bandstand.

Jean Montes, loyola chamber orchestra director, said the event gave both musical organizations the opportunity to connect with the audience in a non-formal environment.

“This particular performance allows us to connect with the community and bring the music to the people instead of them coming to us.” Montes said.

Montes said that since the concert took place by the water, he specifically chose baroque music, which is a style of Western art music composed from approximately 1600 to 1750, to set a special atmosphere for the event. He added that Handel’s composition brought beauty and harmony to every expectation because his composition was written by musicians surrounded by water.

“We were hoping people felt the energy of the moment,” said Montes.

Dhani Juan, music composition sophomore, said that music was not the only component that played a role in setting the tone for the concert, the surroundings also played a part because the park serves as a great venue for music performance.

“I frequently practice in the park because it is a very friendly environment. I can just sit down by a tree and open my case and practice,” Juan said.

According to Danley Romero, music performance freshmen, strings students were very excited to participate for the first time at a Loyola-Audubon collaborated event.

“It’s a new space to perform in, and we don’t even have to wear tuxes.” Romero said.

He said that one of the things that was most remarkable for him was being able to perform under sunlight and the outside air, as well as seeing people passing and stopping to listen to their performance. He added that it was not only the beautiful atmosphere that made the concert great, but also the freedom of not being in a restricting auditorium chair.

“Many people associate auditoriums with rules. You can’t move, or make noise, and a lot of the time people end up fighting off sleep,” Romero said. “Outside people can move around and enjoy the sunlight! They can talk to each other and children can run around as we play and they listen,” said Romero.