present a musical atmosphere at the Dingeldine Music Center on Oct. 3. Photo by William Craine.
Notes of cello and piano blended together to create an evening of music at Dingeldine Music Center on Oct. 3.
Guests artists, cellist Moises Molina and pianist Po-Chuan Chiang came on stage at 7:30 p.m. with a short introduction before filling the hall with first piece of music.
Molina is from Honduras, holds a doctorate degree in music and currently serves as a professor at Western Illinois University. Chiang is a native of Taiwan who performs both nationally and internationally, possesses a doctor of musical arts degree and continues to work accompanying musical theater and other productions.
“I have performed at [Bradley] a few times, even though it has been a while,” Molina said. “The location is ideal for the public, and the music department welcomes guests artists for performances.”
The concert was a result of a faculty exchange set up by Marcia Liebenow, assistant professor of the music department at Bradley; she will soon be performing at Western Illinois University.
“I had asked the cello-piano duo to give a concert at Bradley,” Liebenow said. “I know they are fine performers, and it’s great to have guest artists perform at Dingeldine.”
The two musicians drove from over an hour away to present their duets to a crowd of students and other guests scattered in the seats. Attendance for faculty and student recitals typically ranges from 70-150 guests, while large ensemble performances draw larger crowds.
“It’s great to see that our performances appeal to the general public as well as the Bradley audience,” Liebenow said.
Music selections for the night included two sonatas and a tango spanning over a century of musical movements, with an intermission after the first two pieces.
“We looked for contrast among the pieces in the program,” Molina said. “Each work was from a different style and time period.”
Molina said he enjoyed the vocal quality of the Samuel Barber Sonata and both the rhythmic drive and harmonies of “Le Grand Tango” by Astor Piazzolla. The Sonata by Cesar Franck presented a challenge of its own for the musicians because it was originally composed for violin, and the piano part is “devilish.”
“I am glad [Chiang] was playing,” Molina said. “It is a rewarding challenge to take on.”
The audience sat still and silent, hearing fingers strike keys and watching fingers quiver strings illuminated in the light of the stage.
“It was a warm and welcoming audience,” Molina noted. “We enjoyed performing in this space.”
Junior elementary education major Luke Terranova said he left the concert uplifted.
“The musicians took such great pride in their work,” Terranova said. “The music made me energetic and enthusiastic about the arts.”
Junior music business major Jessica Everts felt the recital allowed her to take a break from everyday life and pay attention to music.
“[Music events] are a great opportunity to force yourself to put your phone away and focus on something that is likely unfamiliar,” Everts said. “It’s a learning opportunity without too much effort required.”
The music department has several upcoming events featuring performances from more guest artists as well as Bradley organizations that continue through to the end of the fall semester. Students have the opportunity to attend these events at no cost.
