Honoring the Class of 2026, Langley Orchestra concluded the year with its Carnival concert on
Thursday, May 21st. The performance featured a vibrant collection of Latin America music,
highlighting a variety of pieces with Brazilian, Cuban, Mexican, and other roots.
Full Orchestra, composed of Philharmonic Orchestra and band members, opened the night with
Conga del Fuego Nuevo (Conga of New Fire) by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, a high-
energy piece driven by percussion and fiery rhythms. Next, they performed Danzón No. 2 also
by Márquez.
The Concert Orchestra followed, taking the stage with Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango. They
continued with Two South American Tangos arranged by Merle Isaac, and the two tangos being
El Choclo and La Cumparsita. Last, the Concert Orchestra performed music from the 2017
Pixar animated film Coco, featuring standout solos from junior Zifei Zhao and senior Michaela
Frey.
Then, the Symphonic Orchestra presented Tico Tico, a lively Brazilian selection by Zequinha de
Abreu. Their performance continued with La Bella Cubana, arranged by Robert Debbaut, and
Nubia Jaime Donjuan’s A Su Merced, Don José.
Last, but not least, the Philharmonic Orchestra returned to join the Symphonic Orchestra’s
senior musicians, playing the iconic Por Una Cabeza, recognizable from its use in movies. To
conclude, the evening came to an emotional peak when the seniors performed Coco’s
“Remember Me” against a backdrop of Class of 2026 graduation photos. This touching tribute
beautifully honored their shared journey, serving as the perfect finale for a night dedicated to
culture and legacy.
More photos from the concert can be accessed HERE. Prior to the concert, the orchestra
gathered in the cafeteria. The seniors gave out Paper Plate Awards, an end-of-the-year tradition
where students commemorated each other with personalized, humorous “awards” on actual
paper plates. Photos from that event can be accessed HERE.
