|
Performers gathered at Raphael House, met with the unmistakably bustling air of excitement. Jittery nervousness, paired with excited, warm chatter with acquaintances created a unique atmosphere. As the concert began, it was almost like the lights of the stage dimmed. It was as if a pointed spotlight followed the first performer as she made her way to the piano. A hush fell on the performers and the crowd alike, seeming as though everyone was holding their breaths. The binding tension of eager anticipation had captured the crowd. The symphony of notes created by the feather-light taps of delicate fingers seemed to be the only source of sound in the room, sucking in the everlasting attention from everyone it captivated. The swift, melodic sounds filled with intention and emotion swept the crowd. Silky, flowing sounds and bold, powerful booms were created with the same instrument. The juxtaposition of the sounds made from the same instrument showcased the flexibility of music. Classics from the masters of classical music came one after another, from Joseph Haydn to George Gershwin to Ludwig Van Beethoven in a mesmerizing display of self discipline, determination, and love for the art of music. Love is a feeling speckled in every part of our daily lives. Our students’ love was communicated through this concert, and it reached the elderly tenderly. Thunderous applause roared from the elderly performance after performance, showing the love back to the performers. (Reported by Avery Wang)
With a joy-filled afternoon ahead, Music and Love performers gathered in the lobby of the memory care center, instruments in hand and sheet music at the ready. Residents gradually filled the seating area, greeting one another and settling in as the first notes rang out. The performance began with a pair of slow, almost trance-like pieces that cast a calm atmosphere over the room. As the program continued, the mood shifted. One lively piano work featured fingers skittering effortlessly across the keys, while another piece drew on folk-inspired melodies and flowing arpeggios that gave it an unmistakable bounce. A later performance opened with rich, emotion-filled chords before unfolding into a grand and imaginative musical journey. The room grew noticeably quieter as listeners became absorbed in the music. Some swayed gently in their seats, while others tapped their armrests along with the rhythm. The afternoon continued with a powerful waltz-like work before the final piece brought the program to a close. As performers packed away their instruments, residents lingered to share compliments and thank them for the music. (Reported by Angelina Lin)
What a beautiful day it is to enjoy music! Stephen performed 2 long pieces but it was flawless, followed by Ethan’s Beethoven sonata no.18. It was quick and bouncy. Faith and Esther’s duet gave me a slow and romantic feeling. Brianna's piece was steady and gave the audience fun and joy. Miya’s piece was wonderfully played and everyone liked the piece. Sihong’s piece was cheerful and fast which brought everyone’s mood up and energetic. Elaine’s violin piece was bouncy and felt like watching a circus performance. Avery’s dance was elegant and everyone watching was impressed. Lastly, Jocelyn 's piece was stunning, even though the pedal of the piano just broke, but she still managed to finish the piece and aced it. (Reported by Sihong Ren)
Today officially marked the launch of our 2026 Summer Concert Series, as Music & Love brought another heartwarming musical experience to our audience. Through the universal language of music, our young performers shared their talent, dedication, and passion, filling the room with joy and inspiration. The concert opened with "Golliwog's Cakewalk" by Debussy, performed on piano by Sakura. Her lively interpretation captured the playful rhythms and cheerful spirit of the piece, immediately bringing smiles to the audience. Next, Momo took the stage with the Paganini Concerto on violin. Her confident performance showcased both technical skill and expressive musicianship, earning enthusiastic applause from everyone present. Caitlyn followed with a charming Sonatina on piano. Her elegant touch and clear phrasing highlighted the beauty and grace of this classical work. The violin performances continued with Reshita, who presented Rieding Op. 25. Her expressive playing and beautiful tone demonstrated remarkable progress and musical maturity. Bringing a unique cultural flavor to the program, Sihong performed "Going to the Flower" on the traditional Chinese instrument, the pipa. The delicate and vibrant sounds of the pipa transported listeners into a colorful musical landscape and were warmly received by the audience. The piano portion of the concert continued with Timmy's performance of a Chopin Etude. His impressive technique and musical expression brought the challenging piece to life. Finally, Miya concluded the concert with Chopin's Waltz Op. 70. Her graceful interpretation and lyrical playing provided a beautiful ending to the afternoon's program. As the concert came to a close, many audience members expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the performers. Their sincere words of appreciation and encouragement created a touching moment that reminded us of the power of music to connect people and bring happiness to the community. After the performance, the facility manager joined the performers for group photos. He shared how much he has enjoyed the Music & Love performances over the past two years, expressing his appreciation for the joy, warmth, and meaningful experiences that the young musicians have brought to residents through their continued dedication. (Reported by Candice Xu)
On this unbearably hot June day, I played a wide array of music at the Manorhouse. I first started out with Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C sharp minor, a piece that shows how religion influenced Bach’s work. Next, I played all three movements of Haydn’s Sonata in E Flat Major, with sections that ranged from pride to longing to playfulness. Next, I played Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11, a technically difficult piece that involves loads of skill. I then performed all three movements of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A major K488, which I unfortunately did not have an orchestra with me to perform with. Lastly, I played Chopin’s Etude Opus 10, No. 4 & 5, both very fast pieces requiring lots of handiwork. Overall, it was a fun and excellent day of performing for me. (Reported by Stephen Chen)
|
Archives
October 2026
Categories |
|
RSS Feed