Local musicians collaborate in cello extravaganza

On Friday, Sept. 12, the Department of Fine and Performing Arts presented its first ever Cello Extravaganza, which featured Assistant Professor of Music, Brendan Townsend.According to Townsend, “The Cello Extravaganza is a concert of chamber music written specifically for combinations of cellos. It is intended to highlight the many wonderful sounds the cello produces.” Originally, the concept of the Cello Extravaganza came to Townsend after first hearing recordings of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s cello section playing chamber music. Townsend added, “I always wanted to make something like that sound happen here in Laredo. The quality of cello playing has risen so much in recent years [that] I decided the time was right to organize it now.”While Townsend put initial plans in place, he relied on the support of area music teachers. In particular, the event had the full support of Bob Compton of the Vidal M. Trevino School of Fine Arts & Communications, Javier Valenciano of J.W. Nixon High School, and Bea Balli of Lamar Middle School.Besides performing music composed specifically for the cello, the night was also used to promote the instrument. Between pieces, Townsend informed those in attendance about the history of the cello; however, the music was the main attraction. “[There is] nothing better than a bunch of cellos…very soothing,” Associate Professor of Music Fritz Gechter said. The evening of cello music began with Townsend performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No. 2 in D Minor for solo Cello; however, after his solo, each subsequent piece performed featured more cellists, ultimately culminating with ten cellists performing Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor. “I was amazed [about how] many good cello players [are] in Laredo. When the stage was filled, it was remarkable,” said Associate Professor of English Frances G. Rhodes.Besides featuring the work of Bach and Brahms, the night featured music by Luigi Boccherini, Friedrich August Kummer, George Frideric Handel, Georg Goltermann, and Tomaso Albinoni. The pieces featured varied in style, from sonatas to fugues, and elicited positive responses.”My favorite piece was Goltermann’s,” Gechter said. “It was well-blended…really beautiful.”While Townsend participated in every piece performed, the night also featured two current TAMIU music majors: sophomore Justin Balli and junior Noe Benavides. Sharing the stage with them were area middle school and high school cellists Osvaldo Ibarra, Jerry Martinez, Monica Swisher, Rebekah Balli, Christopher Avalos, Katheryn Villarreal, and Katie Sanchez. After the concert, some audience members shared their feelings and appreciation for including younger cellists in the program. “It’s good. It allows them to grow and get them out of their comfort zones,” TAMIU freshman Julie Hinojosa said.When asked about their overall performance, J.W Nixon freshman cellist Rebekah Balli said, “I think we did really well for only three rehearsals.”With an estimated 300 in attendance, the first Cello Extravaganza seems to have been a success.”I liked it. I know people [who performed], so I came out to support [them],” said Daniel Arambula, a junior at TAMIUBenavides further added, “[It was] a great feeling, hearing the audience’s reaction.”According to Townsend, as TAMIU’s music program continues to grow, the inclusion of local area school talent is a practice that will continue to occur. “Students in the schools…need to know that there is a quality music program here at the university, so that as they get to the point of choosing a college, they will immediately think of coming to TAMIU,” said Townsend.