On March 17, College of the Ozarks students performed in a guest concert at Villa Vista, a performance venue near Table Rock Lake. Invited to showcase the student talent in the Music Department, the faculty selected a number of student performers from voice, piano, composition, and the C of O String Quartet.
The literature performed included classics such as Porgi, Amor from Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Debussy's En Bateau from the Petite Suite, as well as more recent compositions "Man About Town" from Young Frankenstein and Poulenc's Capricciso for Two Pianos. The concert also included a premier of a piano suite written by student Jordy Hake and performed by Ryan Moore.
Several voice students performed at the concert, each accompanied by staff accompanist Caleb Lawson. From Mozart's Porgi, Amor by Lydia Burnett, to L'heure exquise by Jennifer Beal, to Mozart's Batti, batti o bel Masetto by Emily Lavelle, the students performed beloved classical literature, much to the delight of the audience.
Students also performed musical theater selections including "Come to Your Senses" sung by Natalie Hensarling, "Man About Town" by Lucas Dahlgren, and "It’s a Perfect Relationship" by Madeline Davis, each of which were received warmly.
The C of O String Quartet also performed, playing Shostakovich's String Quartet in C Major, Op. 49, and a piece arranged by Kaylen Draschil. The string quartet consists of Kaylen Draschil, viola, Asa Boldman, 1st violin, Tommy Nissen, 2nd violin, and Collin Hill, cello.
A few piano pieces were performed as well. In addition to the suite premiered by Ryan Moore, Loran Wiley performed Toccata No. 2 by George Anthiel and was joined by Caleb Vester in Capriccio for Two Pianos by Francis Poulenc.
Overall, the performance was an amazing experience. The students enjoyed the opportunity to perform for an outside audience, and their performances were well received. Kaylen Draschil said, "It was a good opportunity to perform for an audience I don't usually get to. Also, it was good to have my arrangement performed." Lydia Burnett said, "Performing at Villa Vista is an opportunity I will not soon forget." Jordy Hake shared, "It was different performing for an audience that's not composed of peers: It provided a fresh new approach to performance." The Music Department looks forward to continued concerts at Villa Vista through Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake.
