Fine Arts program did smashing job at ‘An Evening of Gershwin’ recital
Last weekend’s performance shows how much our music, dance and voice students can accomplish. More performances can be presented with more support from the students and faculty.

The College of Fine Arts recently presented a superb music program at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall, entitled “An Evening of Gershwin.” George Gershwin, the son of Jewish immigrants, left America a legacy of rich, melodic music. The concert featured the TCU Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, dancers and Choral Union.

The night’s repertoire easily attracted a full audience in the hall. Selections for this magnificent concert included: “America the Beautiful: Gershwin Tribute,” “Cuban Overture,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Promenade” and an enchanting suite from “Porgy and Bess.”

The performance was powerful and full of energy. TCU performers played with confidence and style. One could feel the music truly came from the heart. No surprise, then, that the audience fortunate enough to be part of this evening gave TCU performers several standing ovations.

After several curtain calls, the choir, band and orchestra delivered a spontaneous but powerful rendition of our alma mater. I must say, this was a very emotional moment for most members of the audience. It was the climax to an incredible performance.

Being a musician myself, I know it takes many hours of meticulous practice to put together a program of this magnitude. TCU students demonstrated that with hard work and dedication, anything can be accomplished. All students, faculty, administrators and sponsors that participated in making this event a success should be applauded for their efforts. We should all be very proud of their accomplishments.

Music students here are some of the top performers in the nation. In recent years, they have been heard at prestigious events such as: the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Montreaux Jazz Festival and Pergina Opera Festival. TCU students are fine performers. They deserve our attention. Let’s support the arts at TCU by attending their concerts and recitals.

Even if you are not familiar with classical music, I guarantee you will be inspired. We all need a little music in our lives sometimes. After all, It was Plato that said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm to life and to everything.” See you at the next performance.

Columnist Jose Luis Hernandez is a freshman music major from Reynosa, Mexico.