By Roberto Miranda –
On Wednesday, March 21, soprano vocalist Patrice Jegou and international virtuoso pianist Christina Pato performed at the Ingalls Recital Hall located in the Rossey building. They performed as part of the Bel Castro Young Artist Series.
The performance was a 90 minute recital that consisted of Pato’s renditions in regards to Latin American, Spanish American, and Afro-Latin Classical Piano playing heard behind Jegou’s versatile, melodic voice.
Pato began addressing the audience during every brief intermission, explaining the background involved with each musical piece that followed. By the time the performance ended smiles and signatures had spread all across the room after hearing a colorful dynamic performance of internationally cultured pieces.
The recital was a collection of operatic singing over classical piano based compositions from the cultures of Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and North America. Each piece they performed complimented the piece before it in its own unique ways. For every warm and happy sounding major piece, there was a contrary cold and solemn minor song in return.
Pato’s piano playing was nothing short of a musical journey that resonated emotionally throughout the audience. Her performance during pieces such as “Triste” (equivalent to Sad in English,) and the song “Cradle Song for a Little Black Boy” showcased hypnotic melodies over every dismal bass note. Other pieces such as “Zamba” and “Chevere” were a lot faster and happier sounding. Jegou became an area of attention with her vibrant stage presence.
Driven by emotions, Pato and Jegou took the audience on a compelling cultural and classical roller coaster that had everyone holding their applause until the end of the last composition.
When asked what she felt about those who were unable to attend, Jegou said “This is music that just isn’t heard that often. You don’t hear Spanish, Latin, and Afro-Latin music every day, let alone in one performance.”
Ending the night in smiles and attentive conversations with the audience members, it is clear to say that the NJCU campus community arrived and departed together in personal and musical harmony after such an emphatic performance.
For more info on Cristina Pato and Patrice Jegou, please visit: Cristinapato.com and Patricejegou.com
