With APs over, exams on the way, sports meets eating your soul, and life happening, allow me to make a suggestion: go treat yourself to some student recitals.
I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Instrumental Recital on Friday May 11th, where students performed Beethoven, Debussy, Kabalevsky, Mozart, and more. Ian Chan ’10 played a piece by Kabalevsky written for two pianos—an energetic performance requiring intense preparation by “practicing, practicing, practicing.” Also playing a piece for two pianos, this one composed by Mozart, was senior Miki Ito—another stunning performance of which her teacher later said, “she really focused and played into the music.” Bravo, Miki!
With many family members in attendance, Jayson White ’08 bowed on his violin a piece by Vivaldi, receiving much applause and cheering. Also on strings was Jacqueline Georgis ’09, who played a concerto by Camille Saint-Saëns on her cello. On flute was Janet Li ’08, who performed a piece by Gaubert alongside Mr. Valentine at piano. The recital ended with a string quartet of Kashi Elliot ‘09 on violin, Bo Ra Kim ‘10 on violin, and seniors Masako Chen on viola and Hyeon-Ju Ryoo on violoncello. The group enthusiastically played a piece by Beethoven, receiving much applause.
Two days later, the recital for voice teacher Robin Selatti’s students dazzled all in attendance. Soprano Lauren Provini ’08 charmed all with a delightful rendition of “Popular” from Wicked, soon followed by alto Loren Olson ’08 who put the audience in hysterics with “I’m Always a Bridesmaid” from “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Also notable was the only male singer to perform, baritone Daniel Pahl ’10, who gave an emotion-packed performance of “Santa Fe” from “Newsies.” The most dramatic performance of the afternoon was doubtless “How Did We Come to This” from “The Wild Party,” sung by mezzo-soprano Sarah Humphrey ’09, whose clear voice resonated through the recital hall. Up next soprano Rebecca Sassoon ’08 joked that Sarah’s was a “hard act to follow” but Sassoon’s sweet tone captured all present with “Gimme Gimme” from “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Only three seniors performed: mezzo-soprano Miki Ito, alto Brit’nee Haskins and mezzo-soprano Rachel Berger, who captivated listeners with “Before I Gaze at You Again” from “Camelot,” “Ain’t It Good” from “Children of Eden” and “Blame it on a Summer Night” from “Raggs,” respectively. The last soloist of the afternoon was mezzo-soprano Rachel Johnson ’09 who sang “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked”—an impressive rendering of a difficult piece.
