From Violins to Voices: Two Successes from Music @ Saint Peter’s University

Music @ Saint Peter’s University staged two successful free concerts right on campus last week, in line with the program’s aim to bring enriching music experiences to the community in and around our campus. On Wednesday, April 20, world-class violinist and Met Orchestra member Narciso Figueroa gave a free 45-minute performance to a full house at Saint Peter Chapel. Guests included university students, faculty and staff; middle school students from nearby Primary Prep; and parishioners of St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church. Apart from being treated to great music, guests also got to meet Mr. Figueroa and his accompanist Cullan Bryant over a reception that followed the performance.

On Friday, April 22, the Saint Peter’s University Schola and the Aidan C. McMullen Chorale joined forces under the direction of Dr. Joseph Legaspi, university director of music, to stage their Spring Concert. The concert, held for free at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church, featured a challenging repertoire including three new choral pieces written especially for our university choirs, as well as choral renditions of old favorites like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Billy Joel’s “Lullaby.” The gracious audience gave the hardworking young performers numerous standing ovations throughout the show.