Student Recital Recap – Featuring Piano, Guitar, and Violin Talents by Ashlynn, Emily, Reina, Francis, & Akshaj
Written by Anna Opalsky
Villa Musica housed five rising musicians last Friday (October 28th) during a recital for young students, ages 13 and under to be precise. This recital was the first live performance for a majority of the students on the bill, and the two faculty present, piano teacher Mark Polesky and strings instructor Andre Beller, both said they were absolutely pleased with the recital. “I think it can be nerve racking to do anything for the first time,” Mr. Mark stated, noting that Villa Musica’s “friendly environment” is welcoming to new performers.
Ashlynn Huang, a student of Remi Ha, opened the event with a lovely piano rendition of Waltz in A minor by Frédéric Chopin. Rising to the challenge of performing first, her playing was genuinely beautiful.
Following on the acoustic guitar was Emily Palmer, who studies with Dr. Jude Weirmeir, performing Dance of the Islands. For her debut live performance, she astonished us all as she exuded bonafide confidence on stage.
Accompanied by Mr. Beller on the piano, Reina Wang boasted an attention-grabbing performance of Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma and Johnny Mercer on her violin. After the performance, Mr. Mark praised her bow hold, saying he was overall impressed by her playing.
Up next was violin student Francis Simon, also accompanied by Mr. Beller, who played Go Tell Aunt Rhody. The traditional song was played remarkably and most of the audience likely welcomed as a familiar whimsical tune.
Closing the recital was Akshaj Sinha with another classic piece: The Wellerman. The upbeat melody had recently gone viral on TikTok and was the perfect way to conclude the evening. In the end, all students were given a worthy round of applause and deserve the utmost praise for not only tackling the dreaded “stage fright,” but excelling in musicianship.
Villa Musica’s next recital for students under the age of 13 will be held on November 18th, 2022 at 7pm in our Recital Hall.