After “months and months of preparation,” Vick Searl, senior music and math double major, received a standing ovation for her senior harp recital in the Hartley Recital Hall on April 6.
“The way she played, her technique, the effort she put into it and how much she practiced spoke for itself,” said Kaitlyn Pindak, senior music major.
The program consisted of hymns and images from Russia, France, Wales and the United States. Searl played pieces by Albert Zabel, Alphonse Hasselmans, Camille Saint-Saëns, John Thomas, Benjamin Britten, J. S. Bach and William Mathias.
“It’s exciting to see after four years of work, to get to a finish line and present in front of friends,” Searl said.
For some selections, Searl was accompanied on the violin by Paige Tang, senior music major.
Searl and Tang performed “Fantaisie” by Camille Sain-Saëns. The song was originally dedicated to two sisters, and Searl and Tang are good friends, adding another emotional level to this piece.
“Paige and I played really well in the Fantaisie,” Searl said. “It was really exciting to get to see two individuals come together and make something even bigger than what two soloists can make.”
“It was the best joy I’ve had musically to play with her and share the friendship we’ve had for so long with the audience,” Tang said.
Searl’s talent does not go unnoticed by her peers.
“She doesn’t ask for the attention, but she is so good and works so hard and is one of the best here,” Pindak said. “I’m just blown away by not only her musicianship, but also how humble and serving she is.”
Searl said she was happy about her performance but relieved to be finished.
“It’s always fun to share music, but it’s always exhausting,” Searl said.”You put a lot into it.”
Following the recital, audience members lined the hall to congratulate Searl.
