Musical Friends

 

By sophomore Brandon Mennenoh

Collaboration is at the heart of the Central College music department, as it is in many disciplines. That concept was epitomized once again on Sunday, March 24 when Anne Petrie, professor of music, presented a recital entitled “Anne Petrie and Friends.”

Petrie is in her 27th year of teaching voice at Central, and she also serves as the dean of the class of 2014. Her recent recital included music from a variety of composers and musical periods. As well as performing herself, the recital also featured Paul Kovocavic, assistant professor of music, on piano; Mark Babcock, associate professor of music, on the organ; Diane Phoenix-Neal, visiting assistant professor of music, on the violin; Sarah Van Waardhuizen, adjunct instruct of music; students Mackenzie Uhlenhopp and Kevin Templeton; alumnus Christopher Ellerston ’12, and Petrie’s son Joel Williams on the cello.

Petrie performs a recital every year, but she has never done an “and friends” recital before. It all started when she decided to sing the duet by Schumann, which featured former students and recent Central graduate Chris Ellerston. “The ideas eventually snowballed into ensemble music with fellow faculty members and students.”

Eschewing one genre or era of music, Petrie says that she enjoys performing a variety of pieces. “I like to include different languages, recently composed music, something American within the last 75 years, a female composer and a composer of color.” There were three languages represented in Petrie’s most recent recital. Petrie is a lover of language; she can speak five languages and also teaches French, German, and Italian diction.

The music chosen for the recital was truly delightful. Petrie began with an aria from a Bach cantata, accompanied by organ, violin and cello. The Bach aria was followed by four pieces from the French Romantic period and the three Schumann pieces.

The second half of the recital began with “Paper Wings,” which was based on the life of Frederica von Stade. These four pieces were lighthearted and definitely an audience favorite. The recital came to an end with five Moravian duets by Dvorak, featuring Van Waarhuizen.

For the young performers and singers in the audience, the recital illustrated that singing and performing do not end with a college degree.