Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor
Among a cluster of student concerts being held the week of Nov. 26, “SPECTRUM,” a free-for-students concert consisting solely of works created by student composers, was one of them.
“SPECTRUM!” included seven pieces written by six different artists. Most of the compositions were performed for the very first time at the concert. There were three pieces that included a vocal performance with piano accompaniment, two pieces by a string quintet, a vibraphone performance and a song that included vocals and a pre-recorded music track.
Two of the performances were created by the same composer, Tommy Leinonen.
“These are two songs from a musical-in-progress called ‘Human,’” prefaced Leinonen on stage, “it follows a family that is seeking asylum.”
According to Leinonen, the two songs are sung from the perspective of the heroine in the play. The songs are titled “Human” and “Why Me?” Both compositions were sung by Suzy Herbert and accompanied on piano by Tommy Leinonen himself. Not only did the composer exhibit his talent, Herbet did as well with her skillful and emotion-laden vocals.
Student composers included Drew Swatos (“A Poem of Gratitude”), Tommy Leinonen, Levi Polasek (“Space Adventures”), Jinho Choi (“The Lord of Light”), Ben Kroeker (“String Quartet No. 1”) and Washington Plada (“Tango de Invierno”).
The purpose of this concert was to showcase student talent, and it fulfilled its purpose with ease. All of the compositions showed a fine and promising level of musicianship. It was obvious that these students worked hard to hone their craft and hold themselves to a performing standard.
Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu
