Robert Shaw once said, “Music…is too important to be left to the professionals.” Though he elevated the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to world-class status and performed around the world, he loved amateur musicians – and he would have relished listening to the four Knoxville Suzuki Academy recitals on November 22!
Beginners played “Perpetual Motion” whereas advanced students played passionate movements of Bach, Saint-Saëns, Elgar, de Beriot, and Mozart. The air pulsed with the energy of the musicians and the enthusiasm and encouragement of the audience. The faces of these young musicians showed moments of focus, a few nerves, joy, and total immersion in the music being made.
The second Fall Recital day began with eight fine pianists. Inspired by their teachers Alla Ousely and Alyssa Burnette, they delighted the packed crowd in the Parish House with sounds ranging from sweet and elegant to raucous and bursting with energy. The appreciative crowd roared their approval!
Cellists then captivated the audience at 1:00 and 2:30 with music written over a span of 200+ years. The rapt audience was deeply moved by the passionate music made by these young people and collaborative pianists Eli Parsley and Lily Witemeyer. From the bouncing joy of Suzuki’s Allegretto to the cascade of emotions in the Valentini Sonata, the musicians celebrated the unique gifts of each other! Thanks to Wesley Baldwin, our inspiring cello teacher.
Violins and yet more cellos completed the day with rousing and joyful performances at 4:00 p.m. Beginning with traditional folk tunes and ending with the Elgar Cello Concerto, the recital was a delight! Congratulations to our new KSA students, Steven and Isabella, who shared their talents for the first time. Proud teachers are Jackson Alderman, Adam Ayers, Wesley Baldwin, and Nora Connelly. Eli Parsley supported all with sensitivity as collaborative pianist.
Thanks to all for an inspiring day. Music is for everyone, and music is to be shared!