Traditionally, only Seniors are allowed the honor of performing their own solo recital. This year, however, John Heroy ’08 was not only granted the opportunity to perform, but he opened the entire series of Spring Term Senior Recitals. Heroy joked, “I feel a little bit like a Senior.” His teacher, Mark Churchill from the New England Conservatory in Boston, thought a recital in the Spring would bring good closure to the repertoire of music Heroy has been working on. With Heroy’s involvement in the Phillips Academy Music Department since Junior year, he was musically prepared to perform in his own recital. Last term, he played a cello concerto with the Amadeus Society in Cochran Chapel. This year, Heroy continued his music education by taking on an independent project studying music theory and composition with Peter Warsaw. John began the recital with “Sonata in E Major” by Francois Francoeur. Music Department Head Christopher Walter accompanied Heroy on this piece. The blending of the piano and the cello complemented each other perfectly. Heroy’s fingers jumped from string to string, creating a beautiful harmony with each leap. The vibrant sounds of his cello echoed off the high-vaulted ceilings of the Timken Room. Next, Heroy played “Suite V for Unaccompanied Violoncello BWV 1011” by Johann Sebastian Bach. This time, John performed without any accompanying instruments. The six-part piece entertained the entire audience, moving each member with every crescendo and decrescendo. After a brief intermission, Heroy played his third and final piece entitled “Concerto No. 2 in E minor, Opus 30” by Victor Herbert. The three-piece movement included allegro impetuoso, andante tranquillo and allegro. This is the typical structure of a concerto, starting off brightly with vigor, following with a slower movement and ending with another lively piece. The tempo of the piece became faster and faster until a final slow, deep decrescendo ended the piece. The entire recital showed how involved Heroy has been with the music program at Andover, and it also showcased his love for music and the cello. Mr. Walter said, “John’s recital was a model of what a student recital should be – ambitious, challenging, varied repertoire, and all of it really well prepared. I was really impressed with his musicianship and his dedication to practice.” At the conclusion of Heroy’s final piece, the crowd erupted into applause with a few scattered cheers and whistles. Heroy, all smiles, bowed and quickly left the stage. The audience was mesmerized by the fact that Heroy memorized most of his music. During the one-hour recital, he used sheet music for only 20 minutes. Additionally, he injected so much personal emotion to bring the piece to life. Heroy said, “It’s been really great to give a recital here with all the support from friends and faculty. Despite all the work, I definitely enjoyed it and hope to give another one next year.”
