This Thursday, the Voice Area Honor Recital will spotlight some of the best vocal students at BYU–Idaho in a special performance where they’ll share their favorite solo pieces. The event will feature both rising stars and seasoned vocalists, offering a rich mix of experience and talent.
Performers are selected based on their end-of-semester jury scores, a process like final exams for vocal students. The highest-scoring students from each class are invited to participate in this unique recital.
Some of the performers are vocal performance majors whose degrees require recital experience, while others are making notable contributions to the university’s opera workshop program.
Each student will perform a piece of their choosing, showcasing a wide range of vocal genres.
“There will be art songs, opera arias, and musical theater pieces, which will make it a fun variety,” said David Olsen, director of Vocal Studies at BYU–Idaho.
Olsen emphasized the value of this experience, particularly for students planning to teach music.
“It’s helpful for them to be in the same kind of situation they’ll one day be preparing their students for; whether it’s solo and ensemble festivals, state solo competitions or auditions,” he said. “It’s a great chance to share something they love with the audience.”
He hopes the audience not only enjoys the diversity of vocal styles but also connects with the performers’ passion.
“I hope the audience enjoys the great variety of voices that they are going to hear, the love that the singers have for the art that they're sharing, I hope they come away entertained, uplifted, entertained and have a sense of joy in music,” Olsen said.
The Voice Area Honor Recital is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Recital Hall. Admission is free.