SU Chambers: An Evening of Sounds

On Tuesday, February 24, the Southern University Music Teacher National Association Collegiate Chapter presented the first SU Music Chamber Series in Stewart Hall. Amber Brown, a fourth year music major, helped in hosting the event and described it as, “an event that brings people together to hear different styles of music.”
The performances took place in an intimate setting where featured violinist Reginaldo Nasciemto and pianist Dr. Leslie Spotz. The musicians performed 16 pieces from composers including Handel, Beethoven and Claudio Santoro.
Spotz is associate professor of piano at Tarleton State University and her music reaches worldwide, including places such as: Moscow, London, Italy and Germany. Spotz traveled 10 hours from Stevensville, TX to perform at Southern.
Spotz also shared a story in relation to Black History Month during the intermission that shed light on Te’Adora Hannis, a famous slave who used her musical talent to free herself. Hannis was also the first African-American to have her music credited on staff paper.
Nasciemento began his career in Brazil with the Christian Congregation of Brazil as a member of the youth orchestra of Sao Paulo. He has since been featured in festivals such as the Curitiba Music Workshop, the Prados Festival, and the International Festival of Campos do Jordao. Most recently, Nasciemento has been serving as a guest conductor for the Radomaska Orchestra, along with conducting in the Festival da Curitiba and the Sonoma County Philharmonic in California.
The two musicians exceeded expectations during their performance, receiving a call for an encore at the end of their performance.
“I have been listening to classical music since before I was born,” said Sydney Harris, a freshman Computer Science major. “I enjoyed their selections because they are calming and tranquil,” Harris finished.
Paris Daniel, a freshman Music major also shared why she was interested in coming to the event.
“I saw flyers around the school that peaked my interest,” recalled Daniel. “I play classical music. This is my first SU Chambers Series, but I knew I could relate because I play the flute,” finished Daniel.
“The event was a success,” said Ryan Alexander, MTA President and third year Music major. “I was especially excited to hear the pieces from Villa-Lobos, because his style is distinctive and unique,” Alexander finished.