Valencia Performing Arts Center hosts Faculty Recital

By Kyle Beard

ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 50 members of the Valencia community gathered at the East Campus Performing Arts Center for a chance to hear their mentors perform on Thursday, February 12th.

The faculty recital is an annual event that gives students and members of the Orlando community a chance to get into the music and hear the work of their professors and colleagues.

"Our musical faculty is training the next generation of professional musicians," said the event organizer and interim dean for Arts and Entertainment Wendy Givoglu. "It's a really good opportunity for Valencia students and the community to be able to hear the talent of their professors."

The event showcased five performances consisting of guitar, piano and vocal pieces. Two of the pieces — performed by pianists Omar Surillo and Antonio Brett — were original compositions.

The theme was largely Latin American and Hispanic music, but ranged everywhere from pieces written by Robert Schumann to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"There's a lot of hispanic culture in the area and the students love it," said Brett, a native of Cuba, who performed two original pieces titled 'Sonatina for Intermediate level based on Latin Rhythm' and 'Guajira in G minor.'

"I grew up around this type of music," said Daniel Chacon, a student here at Valencia, "the theme is very familiar."

The recital was a portion of the ongoing United Arts of Central Florida Arts Festival and the Valencia Arts and Entertainment Festival.

"I grew up appreciating music and this is really helping to broaden my horizons," said Andrea Justice, "I'll definitely be attending more after this."