by Raenale Kamahoahoa-Ho
The Annual Windward Community College Fall Recital was held at the Paliku Theatre on December 14, 2007.
Professor and director Gloria Faltstrom’s music students showcased their talents by performing music from a variety of periods, styles, and genres. The recital was divided into 4 entertaining sections: Voice 1, Piano 1, Guitar, and the Windward Singers. Piano accompaniment was provided by the talented Ms. So Jin Kimura.
The recital showcased an ambitious range of Vocalist, Piano, and Guitar compositions performed by the music students. Many TRiO SSS participants performed, and I would like to recognize them for their fabulous musical talents.
N. Hau‘oli Vuikadavu, endowed with a soprano voice, sang Teodoro Cottrau’s famous song, “Santa Lucia.” Hau‘oli serenaded the audience with an enormous measure of feeling and passion in each flawlessly executed phrase. Hau‘oli’s mastery of both the scale and the Italian language was admirable; she possessed a remarkable voice that combined range, warmth, and elegance.
Bill Stock presented himself a true bass. Bill’s extraordinary stage presence, along with his beautifully chorded, yet powerfully strong and deep, evocative voice belted out a British parlour song from 1910 titled “Danny Boy,’ composed by Fred C. Weatherly.
Alejandra Portillo’s alto vocal in “The Windward Singers” chorus resonated with warmth and color.
Shelani Akina presented her piano solo piece, “Toccatina,” composed by E.L. Lancaster. Her performance illustrated to the audience her skilful virtuosity as well as her harmonious clarity on the keyboard.
Tua Tuoli played a dramatic piano solo, “Summer Memories,” composed by E.L. Lancster and Kenon D. Refrow. Tua’s presentation of the melodic interpretation of “Summer Memories” unleashed a rich and captivating nuance.
Jacob Stock also performed “Summer Memories,” composed by E.L. Lancaster. Jacobs’ enthusiastic personality materialized clearly in his interpretation of the dramatic piece that he performed. For his first public piano recital, and with no sheet music, Jacob performed admirably, showing his unbelievably virtuosic talent.
Payton Purdy showcased his piano solo, “Master Mind,” composed by E.L. Lancster. This was Payton’s shining moment; his confidence showed proudly at the keyboard, and his performance was focused and beautifully melodious.
Shelani, Tua, Jacob and Payton treated the audience to a stunning display of their keyboard artistry.
The recital was spectacular, and each musician shared his/her personality. It left me and the whole audience breathless with admiration. What a whirlwind of a performance it was. Thank you professor Faltstrom for organizing this wonderful concert! I envy your students who learn to understand and appreciate such beautiful and mysterious layers of culture.