UW-Eau Claire Music Faculty Delights with “Musical Love Letters” Concert

On the evening of February 2nd, the faculty of UW-Eau Claire's music department delighted an eager audience with a unique concert titled “Musical Love Letters” at the Pablo Center. This presentation, characterized by a variety of vocal and instrumental performances, began at 7:30 p.m. in the Market & Johnson Clearwater Recital Hall, inviting attendees to a heartfelt exploration of love expressed through music.

UWEC First Fridays Series

The event is an installment of the “UWEC First Fridays,” an annual tradition showcasing the talents of the university's music staff who voluntarily participate in the series. Nicholas Phillips, Department Chair of Music and Theatre Arts, oversees the series along with the Pablo Center's collaboration.

A Theme of Love

With the romantic ambiance of February and Valentine's Day in the air, the faculty selected pieces that encapsulated love’s myriad forms as depicted by various composers. One poignant highlight was pianist Namji Kim’s rendition of “Romance Op. 28, No. 2 in F-Sharp Major” by Robert Schumann, a piece rich in personal history as it was beloved by Schumann’s wife, Clara, throughout her life.

Associate music professor Kenneth Pereira offered a vocal interpretation of “A Letter from Sullivan Ballou” by John Kander, a haunting last message from a Union soldier to his wife before his death. Pereira’s performance aimed to serve as a transparent medium for the audience to experience the music's emotive power intimately.

Personal Tributes

Lecturer Felipe Vargas Magdaleno brought a personal touch to the concert with guitar renditions of “Moon River” and “Yesterday,” dedicating his performance to his wife. Reflecting on the current global challenges, Vargas Magdaleno spoke of the concert's unifying power, acknowledging the mutual energy exchange between performers and their listeners.

The next concert in the series, themed “Mixed Styles,” is scheduled for March 1 at the Pablo Center. The UW-Eau Claire music faculty continues to nurture the community’s spirit through their expressive and diverse musical offerings.

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