Concert Review

The Faculty Concert, on September 11th, was not only an excellent way for students to see their professors perform, but a way for the professors to showcase their talent. In particular, Dr. Monson stole the show with her numerous performances, whether accompanying a colleague, or soloing, she really shined. I think Dr. Monson’s performance stood out because I don’t get to see her that often. Of course I’ve heard what a wonderful professor she is, but actually seeing her in her element was incredible.
Dr. Monson accompanied many of GMU’s esteemed staff, but she also debuted a piece that Dr. Glen Smith wrote for her. The piece was fantastic. It was obvious that she wasn’t just playing it, she was enjoying it. From her body movements, her facial expressions, and the overall expressiveness that she conveyed through her instrument was just wonderful.
The showstopper, however, was when Dr. Monson and Dr. Balakerskaia performed together. Interestingly, the pianos were placed so that they fit into one another – the stage crew put the rounded out part of one piano into the curve of the other. I’ve never seen a piano duet before, but my friend next to me (a piano student) said she had only seen it where the pianos are side-by-side. The two women, who appear to differ greatly in personality, performed fantastically together – down to their matching scarves. They performed two Latin style pieces that had the audience tapping their feet and bopping their heads, which didn’t seem odd since both women were doing the same thing on stage.
The talent of these two women is indescribable. They play the piano with such ease, but produce a sound that is simply out of this world. It is easy to see now why GMU’s piano students are so talented and so successful, as their teachers are clearly world class performers.



(Note - I tried to post this on the Keyboard skills 3 site, but it wouldn't let me)