By Brianna Holcomb
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Her voice was extremely powerful and the fact that she was singing without a microphone reinforced that fact. She performed beautifully and if the standing ovation at the end of her performance was not an indication to how well this senior recital went, I don’t know what would be.

Stephanie Weiss, the owner of this great voice, held her senior recital on Friday, March 27 in Monroe Lecture Hall. She performed several songs with the accompaniment of pianist Violetta Zabbi.

The show was broken up into two sets – one in French and the other in English. My favorite performance of the night was held in the second set. The song “Alas! Alack!” got a few good laughs from the audience. Weiss’s singing was not the only beautiful thing that night, her outfit was amazing as well. She wore a black dress that ended just above the floor with beautiful sheer sleeves. To complete the outfit she wore a heavy, black necklace that helped make the outfit pop.

On Saturday, three other Hofstra seniors took pride in performing their senior recitals as well.

Ian O’Malley had a great poise as well as confident air while performing on the baritone. He seemed in command of the situation at all times. He was wearing a black tux with a black shirt and black tie. He collaborated with his recital partner Cory Guzzi, a violin player, on a beautiful piece by Strauss entitled “Morgen!” Cory, also wearing a tux, was all smiles as he performed several difficult pieces to a very responsive crowd.

Jackie Bakewell wore a black, floor-length gown that had a beaded bodice. Her hair was pulled back out of her face except for one single curl. She also sang the song “Morgen!” Both Bakewell and O’Malley brought different interpretations to the piece. The two performances were incomparable other than the fact that both were extremely moving. Bakewell brought up the Hofbeats at the end of her performance in order to sing a melody of “Wicked” songs with the a capella group that she has been a part of for four years.

With a gown fit for a princess, Elisa Galindez strutted onto the stage to perform her senior recital on Sunday afternoon. In her high-low, purple dress with halter straps, Galindez owned the stage, telling a story using only her voice. She did not perform alone; she shared the stage with friends Sarah Herron for “Minicabs” and Alex Lavoie in a lovely duet called “Carol! Piu Amabile Belta.” Both featured guests wore all-over black as contrast to Elisa’s purple dress.

Her closing number, “Glitter and Be Gay,” nearly brought tears to my eyes and was clearly a very emotional piece. Emotions were visibly very strong as Elisa gave her thank you at the end of the night.

All of the performers owned the stage with not only their voices, but their outfits as well. It was clear to see the importance of this night for each of the seniors that performed this past weekend.

The chosen music played to each of their strengths and showed their impressive their vocal ranges. Their outfits, chosen with care, complemented every performance and proved the meaningful nature of each student’s night . These senior and junior recitals showcased the talent found here in Hofstra’s music department.