Among the highlights of the night’s performances was Dr. Yoh Shirato’s powerful rendition of “Lenski’s Aria” by Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky for an opera set to Pushin’s novel “Eugene Onegin.”
The song transported the listeners to the graveyard where Lenski quietly awaits Onegin to a duel in response to Onegin’s unforgivable treatment of Lenski’s fiancée Olga. As Lenski was waiting for Onegin, he realized he will probably die in the duel and will never see Olga again.
The string and flute ensemble played “Lily’s Eyes,” a number from Lucy Simon’s “The Secret Garden.”
Other classical music played included Rhapsody in G Minor, Theme from Romeo and Juliet, Horse Racing, Tambourine, Gigue from Sonata in D Minor, Summer Overture, Happy Women Warriors, Con Te Partiro, Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, Trip in Gusu and Moon Waltz.
The pianists were JJ Rockstroh, Ruth Ann Ledgerwood, Grace Yasa, Christa Wei, Star Jia and Seiya Kishimoto. Playing the Chinese flute was Joseph Ding while Elim Wu played the flute. Isaac Sun played the trumpet; Winston Mao, the Chinese instrument er’hu; and Cathy Brier, viola. The violinists were Ruth Ann Ledgerwood, Jack Wang, Christiana Wei, Christiane Wei, Christa Wei, Christian Wei Jr., Ben Pruglo, Nathan Smith and Chen Jing.
Sponsors for the concert were the Marianas Variety, the Pacific Islands Club, Trader’s Insurance, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, No Ka Oi, Saipan, City Trust Bank, Star Water Co., Barny’s Pizza, AON Insurance and Herman’s Bakery.
