By Erica Blankenship
Most students at the University of Louisville have little to no knowledge of their professors’ lives beyond the classroom. Students don’t know what papers their professors have written, what studies they have participated in or the presentations they have given to other colleagues and professionals. Yet music students at the University of Louisville have a unique opportunity because every year they receive the opportunity to hear the true talents of their own professors.
Eighteen years ago, Dr. Herbert Koerselman, former Dean of the School of Music, precipitated an event which has come to be known as the Faculty Gala. According to Dr. Naomi J. Oliphant, one of the organizers of the event, Dr. Koerselman felt that the school had so many outstanding performers in the faculty that he wanted to use their unique talents to create a fun concert in order to give back to the community.
The School of Music relies on donations from upstanding citizens of the area, creating a volunteer, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to support excellence and student scholarship in the University of Louisville School of Music.
Dr. Koerselman, along with other faculty members, have come to acknowledge this event as an opportunity to give back to the community. The current Dean of the School of Music, Dr. Christopher Doane, said that the event is the “opening of the art season at the University.”
The program played on Friday, Aug 27, was diverse and engaging. According to Dr. Oliphant, faculty members attempt to find a repertoire that is not always serious, but light-hearted.”
Performers in the program included Kathleen Karr, Dallas Tidwell, Matthew Karr, and Bruce Heim- all faculty members of the School of Music. They began with a woodwind quartet performing “Allegro” from Trois Pieces Breves for Woodwind Quintet by Jacques Ibert. The “Allegro” section was lively and proved to be a perfect beginning to a fun and interesting evening.
Other standout performances of the evening included a performance by Mrs. Edith Tidwell, voice faculty member. Singing “Vissi d’arte” from the opera, Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, Tidwell’s choice of music was oddly fitting as she sang about “the two great driving forces in her life: love and music.” Her high notes soared as tears came to the eyes of audience members. Mrs. Tidwell remarked about her repertoire choice, saying that she wanted to do something that she really loved, but didn’t have the opportunity to do very often. Her status as faculty member was fully appreciated and valued throughout her performance.
Another striking performance was “Allegro” from Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins and Piano, BWV 1043. The violinists, J. Patrick Rafferty and Brittany MacWilliams, played ferociously and moved their bows like quicksilver across their instruments.
“Doubling Down,” yet another intriguing performance, was performed by cellist Paul York and bassist Sidney King, both faculty members. The piece was also composed by faculty member, Frederick Speck, band conductor at the School of Music.
Although this evening’s performances were countless, each brilliant in its own respect, this evening was one of many in a long standing tradition at the School of Music. For eighteen years, the Faculty Gala has placated itself, allowing both students and community members to enjoy the diverse talents of the faculty. This year’s Faculty Gala was proof that the event has become, and will continue to be, a success.
