An evening of classical rapture Porterville Strings Faculty recital enthralls audience
By JAMIE A. HUNT jhunt@portervillerecorder.com
The Porterville Strings Summer Camp faculty, composed of 16 classical musicians as well as a few students, performed a fabulous recital of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Shubert, Elgar and Jancek quartets and quintets for strings at Porterville College on Tuesday, July 16, in the choir auditorium.
Over 150 people enjoyed the recital and filled the room to capacity. Many students and their families, as well as devoted supporters of Porterville Strings, and many new enthusiasts were in attendance.
Justino Perez graduated from the very first Porterville Strings Summer Camp, is an active composer and is the recipient of many awards. The Porterville Strings Chamber Orchestra played his composition “This was for you” that was beautiful and lyrical.
Gregory Smith per
formed a Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op.9, on piano, which was marvelous. The whole house applauded for the sublime piece of music, and after every piece that was beautifully played by exceptional musicians.
Sarah Rector, fine arts director at Porterville College, said it was so exciting to have Porterville Strings performing at the college. She jokingly said, “It’s the lead in the water that makes us all great musicians.”
“This is one of my favorite concerts,” said Porterville Strings director and founder, Rodelyn Lipumanosmith. “We get to invite the students and their parents to a chamber concert. Thank you for showing your love and support for Porterville Strings.”
Students Jack Ensslin, Dana Cole, and Linda Tejeda performed a Mozart String Quartet with their teacher Josiah Coe which “showed off all their hard work.”
“Porterville Strings is a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to be exposed to this marvelous music. The musicians have so much talent,” said Pam and Robert Krase. “It’s great for anyone who appreciates classical music played extremely well. The community needs to become more involved in supporting this group financially.”
In the audience Ellen Jordan said, “These musicians are always exceeding my expectations with the music they produce. And seeing their previous students perform at the professional level is the icing on the cake.”
Lipumano-smith said the students saw the music two days before they performed at the concert.
“As always, the faculty of Porterville Strings Summer Camp overwhelmed the audience with their musical prowess,” said Denise Marchant. “I was thrilled to see so many of the students and parents in attendance
and to witness the looks of amazement on their faces. This is what the camp is all about - to open up to them the wonderful world of music and exceptional musical performance.”
After the concert musician and teacher Meghan Yost-coe said, “It’s an honor to participate in the Porterville Strings organization and serve the children of Porterville. Their growth every summer is remarkable and inspiring.”