Barbaraa Nissman delivers a passionate performance in
Thompson Recital Hall for the DePauw community
on Wednesday evening.
CHRISTA SCHROEDEL / THE DEPAUW
The commanding notes of Franz Liszt’s “Sonata in B Minor” filled the Thompson Recital Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 24 as members of the DePauw community gathered for the first performance in the School of Music’s 2014-15 Faculty Select Series.
Although not named the “Faculty Select Series” until 2012, performances of this nature have been taking place since the school was founded in 1884. The series presents members of the DePauw faculty as well as performers from around the world.
World-renowned pianist Barbara Nissman provided a strong performance to begin the series. She provided brief yet passionate insight on each composer and piece before delighting the audience with her incredible talent.
Smiles, looks of excitement and concentration registered on her face as her fingers flew across the keys. Not a sheet of music in sight.
The School of Music requires students attend 12 concerts per semester. Those can include the Faculty Select Series, student performances, or other faculty performances.
Sophomore Tess Tazioli said the school does a fantastic job bringing in a variety of performers so that students are able to select which ones are of interest to them. Nissman gave a performance to the School of Music students earlier in the day and spoke to many of the classes. Tazioli said it was those interactions that peaked her interest and encouraged her to come to the performance.
Attending the performance out of an enjoyment for music appeared to be a common theme. School of Music professor, Erica Dicker, said she came “for my own pleasure.” She said it is a moment of relief following the long days that are so common here at DePauw.
As the School of Music enters into its 113th concert season, Dean Mark McCoy states, “Yes I do see them continuing forever. This is an absolutely fantastic series.”