MacPhail to Present Faculty Recital
Soprano Valerie MacPhail will present an intimate afternoon of English Art Songs on Sunday, October 25 at 4:00 pm in Daniel Recital Hall on the Converse College campus. The recipient of vocal performance degrees from the University of South Carolina, Florida State University, and The College of William and Mary, MacPhail has performed in various operas and oratorios, and as a recitalist and chamber singer across the Eastern United States. She teaches voice, vocal pedagogy, and diction at the Petrie School of Music.
The recital will open with a group of four songs by Canadian composer Michael Parker entitled "Newfoundland Folk Songs" for soprano and clarinet, with adjunct faculty member and clarinetist Karen Hill. These songs run the gamut of emotions from funny to tragic, but are tied together by their beautiful melodies. The second set features Vaughan Williams’s "Blake Songs" for soprano and oboe, with Petrie School faculty member and oboist Kelly McElrath Vaneman. These songs were written for a film that captured the life of William Blake, the English poet and painter. The last set, to be performed with pianist Mildred Roche, was commissioned by newspaper columnist Judith Martin’s husband for her 60th birthday. Dominic Argento’s “Miss Manners on Music” features songs derived from Martin’s answers to questions concerning etiquette at musical performances. Humorous and engaging, the songs are informative concerning the ins and outs proper audience etiquette.
This delightful afternoon of song is open to all and free of charge.