The sounds of the piano, flute and soprano Carol Stephenson’s soothing voice filled the air, as “What She Said,” a compilation of feminist-oriented songs meant to relay a message of what women think, feel, and rarely have the courage to say out loud, began in Founders Auditorium Saturday.
Stephenson, a vocal professor at University of La Verne took the stage along with accompaniments flutist Rik Noyce and pianist Jacqueline Petitto.
Between the title of the event and the lyrics in each song, all of which shed light into the deep inner workings of a woman’s heart, an introduction was not necessary.
“It was funny because for the most part I could really relate to the songs,” said Melinda Fairman, a sophomore biology major. “The songs that I enjoyed the most though were the third set right before intermission.”
With music by Zina Goldrich and lyrics by Marcy Heisler, the third set of songs was a hit.
Songs such as “Apathetic Man” and “Fifteen Pounds” had the crowd rolling with laughter in their seats.
It was evident that the performers enjoyed these songs as much as the audience did.
Each performer was laughing and Stephenson got to add a little extra flavor and personality to this part of the performance.
“I enjoyed the fun songs,” said Jolene Rojas, a freshman anthropology major. “Carol did an amazing job of whole-heartedly committing to the character that the songs portrayed.”
The lighthearted songs were a good way to end the first half of the show because they left the crowd wanting more.
During intermission, as the few children that were in the audience raced up and down the aisles of the auditorium, vocal students gathered together to discuss the performance.
As they collaborated on what to write for their papers due next week, other audience members laughed and stretched their legs in anticipation of the second half of the show.
After intermission Noyce and Petitto had the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Both performers possessed an obvious passion for their craft and it was only made more evident by the beauty and grace of the sonata that they performed together.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the piano and flute accompaniment; normally you just hear the piano but I think the flute made the concert that much better,” Rojas said. “It was something new; I was mesmerized to an extent.”
To finish the show the trio took the stage one last time to perform “The Deepest Desire” a 20-minute combination of songs by Sister Helen Prejean.
“There is no denying that Carol has a beautiful voice,” said Zara Cardoso, a sophomore legal studies major. “The music was very compelling but soothing at the same time; it acted sort of like a lullaby.”
As the show ended you could not help but have a respect for what you had just witnessed; three incredible performers came together to showcase their equally incredible talent.
Stephenson hit notes that most popular artists of today could only dream of, while Petitto and Noyce have more talent than words could articulate.
The music department will host a student recital at 4 p.m. on Nov. 16 in Founders Auditorium as a chance for peers to share their budding talents.
For more information about upcoming music events visit www.ulv.edu/music/.
Jillian Peña can be reached at jpena2@ulv.edu.
Jillian Peña
