Trumpeter Michael Robinson performs alongside pianist Peter Kemelis in a somber and passionate playing of “Caprice.” Photo by Greg Clark.
Three Students Take the Stage in this Semester’s Fourth Music Convocation
As the University of Rhode Island faces dark wintry days, the music department held a group of somber toned student performances for the Feb. 19 music convocation.
Three student performers took to the stage to conduct the fourth musical convocation of the semester. Each performer brought a new dynamic to the stage as Kristin Lafferty, a soprano vocalist, Sarah O’Brien, a flutist and Michael Robinson, a trumpet player, engaged the audience in a group of solo performances.
Lafferty, accompanied by Pianist Cheryl Casola, performed two songs, “Der Sandmann” and “Weep You No More Sad Fountains.” The composers of these songs are Robert Schumann and J. Dowland, respectively. Her first song was sung in German, but translations of the lyrics were provided in the program for the audience.
Her second song was ametric, meaning it has no set tempo.
“There was no time signature on the ‘Weep You No More,’ so the piano part is kind of doing something all on its own,” Lafferty said.
Audience members were especially impressed by the performance of this piece, as ametric music can pose a challenge to musicians in working together when both are on their own wavelength in performing.
O’Brien took the stage next and did a wonderful job in conveying the tones and dynamics of her piece, despite this being her first time performing in a convocation. She also conveyed emotion well throughout her recital of “Sonatine for Flute and Piano” by Walter Gieseking, alongside Pianist Gayane Darakyan.
One audience member commented that O’Brien’s performance acted more lyrically, which allowed for a lot of phrasing complexities as compared to focusing on technical factors.
Another audience member said that “the high register was fabulous” in O’Brien’s performance during the question and answer session at the end of the convocation.
In closing of the convocation, Robinson did a great job exhibiting the dynamics of his piece, “Caprice” composed by Eugene Bozza. The thematic changes within his piece were well demonstrated as the piece went from a somber tone to a lighter, more passionate tone.
He also had great musical communication with his accompanying pianist, Peter Kelmelis, as their performance danced back and forth as if they were communicating with one another.
“I really love playing with Peter,” Robinson said. “He reacts to the things I do in such a unique way.”
An audience member was especially intrigued by Robinson’s ability to convey harsh emotion in particular notes during his performance. Robinson could not recall the specific instance being referred to but expressed that sometimes the music takes you to be harsh in your deliverance.
Overall, the audience was very pleased with the exhibition of talent during this convocation. Each performance received an energetic response from the audience in approval.
Music convocations take place every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Concert Hall until March 7 and are free to attend.