Max started off the concert and recital season a couple of weeks ago and now Elisabeth has just finished her violin recital. This year Elisabeth worked hard on technique and put out a great performance of “Kujawiak” by H. Wieniawski. Click through to watch the recital (we still have four more concerts or recitals so I’ll be adding more clips to this and Max’s post).
I just replaced the recital clip with her “graduation” performance since I had a better seat for filming (didn’t have to film into a bright background).
What is a graduation performance? At the end of the first four years the students have to pass some performance and music theory tests in order continue for the next three years (which completes level one music school). As a celebration these students put on a special concert. So this was a concert with guitar, violin, flute and piano. The kids also get to play in other special concerts. So for example Max’s performance (link above) was at the music school’s tenth anniversary concert. They also have an all school concert with some select performances from the various age groups and from various instruments. So all total this year the kids will perform at eight different concerts.
This is one great thing about living in Slovakia. We pay about as much for a semester of lessons as we paid for one month in the States. And in that price the kids not only go to lessons twice a week for 45 minutes (instead of once per week for 30 minutes) but they also get to take a secondary instrument for free and Elisabeth also has orchestra twice per week included in the price. So we’re thankful for the opportunity to get such a great music education at a price we can afford.
UPDATE: I mentioned the string orchestra that Elisabeth practices with twice a week. Here’s a clip of them playing together at the annual school concert. Elisabeth is in the center behind the tall girl.
UPDATE: And Elisabeth is also taking voice lessons so here is here performance at the 2015 voice recital.
Toni says
Amazing talent you have Libby. I’m so very proud