This year’s Fall Chamber Recital was held on the evening of Friday, October 19 at the Pre-Engineering Building in the town of Kent. Not only was it an opportunity for students to show their talent in music, but it was also a chance for Kent locals to listen to classical music performed live by Kent School students. Grandparents from Morningstar Nursing Home, whom many students know from meeting in the Adopt a Grandparent Club, were also invited to enjoy the show.

Sixteens soloists were a part of this year’s recital, including: Hyung Joo Ahn ’19, Rafael Albolote ’21, Dianne Choo ’20, John Garbi ’21, Victoria Geh ’19, Kevin Hobbs ’20, Evan Kirkiles ’20, Sunny Li ’19, Carly Mitchell ’21, Inga Neyshtadt ’20, Julia Park ’21, Steven Sui ’21, Jim Wang ’19, Oscar Wang ’22, Chris Yi ’22, and Catherine Zhou ’20.

A variety of instruments were featured on the stage as students showcased their distinct artistic talents and expressed the work of many great composers. To kick off the show, the flute ensemble brought the audience into “Harry’s Wondrous World”, by Williams, Hooper, and Doyle. Solo performances from pianists, singers, string musicians, and woodwinds followed. Hobbs, the only singer at the recital, sang beautifully and added to the melodic dimension of the recital. All of the performances were greatly received, with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Mr. Hunt, the advisor of Adopt-A-Grandparent club, attended the recital and was very impressed with the performers. “It was the best crop of pianists I’ve seen in my 16 years at Kent… they were all exceptional.”

Kim Verdenburgh from Morningstar Nursing Home comes here every year to see the recital, and always enjoys listening to Kent School students performing. She mentioned that even though some familiar faces were missing, as students graduated, it was good to see many new talented musicians.

The recital wouldn’t be possible without Music Department Chair Mrs. Hobbs and our many music teachers who devoted their time to organize this event. Despite coming from many different corners of the globe, all of Kent School’s musicians share the same passion. Each student has devoted much of his or her time practicing. All have shared the intricate beauty of musical pieces to the audience that night, and they are preparing more to come. This year, there were more musicians than available performance slots in the allotted 90 minutes; next year, look out for two Chamber Recitals in the Fall!