It all started with Mitch Montealegre�s bass. Then there was Beth Rosbach�s cello. Then a violin. And another. Soon, music flowed from all 13 instruments of the Sphere Ensemble.
The Sphere Ensemble, a local chamber ensemble featuring classical string instruments, performed two small �flash mob� style concerts in the atrium of the Center for Community on Monday, April 21. The first started just before noon and the second at 1 p.m., with each lasting approximately 15 minutes.
The concerts were part of a Housing and Dining Services effort to increase community involvement and give students a different dining experience. The ensemble played classical music and a few covers of modern hits, including Carly Rae Jepsen�s �Call Me Maybe.�
Violist Aniel Caban said the flash mob was �a little unexpected twist to a normal CU day.�
Students appreciated the change.
�I think it�s fantastic. It�s nice to have music playing in the C4C while you�re having lunch,� said Akshay Gavai, a graduate student pursuing a master�s degree in Business Administration.
As much as onlookers enjoyed the performances, the enthusiasm displayed by the ensemble�s members was also remarkable. Violinist Marcin Arendt danced his way around the atrium.
�We love performing,� said cellist Dave Short.
The Sphere Ensemble�s members are all professional bassists, cellists, violists and violinists from across the Front Range. The group has been together since 2011 and is focused on putting a �new spin� on classical music.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Samuel.Klomhaus@colorado.edu.