Music Faculty Perform in Fall Recital

Westmont music professors present the Fall Faculty Recital in Porter Theatre Friday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. The program features vocal and instrumental pieces ranging from opera to jazz, offering community members and students a taste of the breadth and depth of the department. The event is free and open to the public.

Highlights of the performance include a cantata by Dietrich Buxtehude, featuring baritone Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship, accompanied by violins, cello and harpsichord. The program also features jazz compositions written and performed by pianist John Enrico Douglas, and C. Chaminade’s “Portrait” sung by soprano Celeste Tavera accompanied by flutist Laura Roth and pianist Heather Levin.

Two short pieces composed by Professor Steve Butler, “Crying for Help” and “Forgiveness,” will be performed by vocalist Nichole Dechaine and pianist Paula Hatley. The compositions are part of a cycle of 25 songs based on poems by English Professor Randy VanderMey.

"The faculty recital is important to us as musicians," says Butler, who holds the department chair, "but also for students who will hopefully be inspired towards mastery of their own musical endeavors.”
For more information, please call Darcy Galvan in the music department at (805) 565-6040.