On Saturday, November 16, Boruff Violin Studio held its annual Young Artists Solo Recital at the intimate setting of The Rafters at Historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville, North Carolina. The evening featured seven talented performers showcasing their skill and artistry to an appreciative audience. The venue, with its beautiful wooden rafters and historic charm, provided a fitting backdrop for an evening of vibrant musical performances.
The solo recital, along with its counterpart Young Artists Chamber Concert, has become a highlight of the BVS annual program and is an opportunity for the studio’s more advanced students to shine. For a couple of these young artists, it was their first time taking the stage in a formal solo setting. The program featured a diversity of violin repertoire, ranging from Baroque to Romantic masterpieces, and was complemented by the accompaniment of pianist Eric Hauck.
The recital featured a dynamic range of performances, showcasing both the technical prowess and artistic maturity of Boruff Violin Studio’s advanced students. For the first-time participants—Cooper George and Millie Mitchell—the evening marked a significant step forward in their musical development. George’s performance of Introduction and Polonaise from Arabesken by C. Böhm was lively and confident, impressively capturing the piece’s rhythmic drive. Millie Mitchell followed with an exciting interpretation of the first movement of Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041.
The senior performers brought pieces with more depth to the program. Haydn Thompson performed Massenet’s Méditation, an iconic, beautiful piece from French composer’s opera, Thaïs. His interpretation was one of quiet introspection, offering a contrast to the other works performed. James Welsh then presented the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, courageously attempting to play from memory before retaking the stage with his music and stand. His resilient performance gave obvious attention to phrasing and articulation, capturing the grace and balance that characterize Mozart’s writing.
Kate Boruff—performing Violin Concerto No. 9, Op. 104 by Charles de Bériot—offered a virtuosic display of both technical skill and musicality. Her interpretation of the energetic first movement was dynamic and confident. Ella Kuzara followed with Bruch’s lush Romanze, Op. 85, bringing a rich, lyrical sound to the stage. Her interpretation was both expressive and technically refined.
Finally, Jake Pecoraro delivered an exhilarating performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, Op. 64, third movement (Allegro molto vivace). His navigation of Mendelssohn’s virtuosic challenges left an impression, closing the evening with an energetic flourish.
At the close of the evening, Eric Boruff took the stage for a performance of Respighi’s Romanza from the Italian composer’s 5 Pieces for Violin and Piano. The piece, rich in Romantic expression, was a fitting way to conclude the recital, offering a moment of reflection after the vibrant performances that had preceded it.
The 2024 Young Artists Solo Recital at The Rafters was a vibrant display of the talented senior students as well as an exciting preview of the next generation of young musicians developing their skills at the studio. The combination of beautiful student performances and the welcoming atmosphere of Historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church made for an unforgettable evening of music.
