December 10, 2024
Hitting the right notes with November’s Matinee Musicale
On Sunday, Nov. 10, The College of St. Scholastica hosted renowned cellist Ifetayo Ali-Landing for a performance at the Mitchell Auditorium on the Duluth main campus. This recital, which was held in collaboration with Matinee Musicale, was a vibrant celebration of artistic expression that highlighted unique connections between music, nature and the St. Scholastica community.
Ali-Landing emerged as a standout performer for her renditions of contemporary pieces by Black composers. A prolific artist, performer and advocate, Ali-Landing was the top laureate of the prestigious Sphinx Competition, which aims to promote young Black and Latinx musicians at the forefront of classical music. Her appearances include a feature on NPR’s Tiny Desk series and a compelling Ted Talk focused on the contributions of Black artists within the genre.
A fitting “Vesper Waltz” debut
An afternoon highlight was the inaugural performance of “Vesper Waltz,” a piece commissioned from Duluth composer Wendy Durrwacher. This composition draws inspiration from the song of the vesper sparrow, a bird celebrated for its evening melodies. These melodies parallel the evening prayers, or vespers, sung by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica.
Durrwacher’s waltz resonates deeply with the history of the College, reflecting this elusive bird’s song. Notably, the vesper sparrow was first identified last spring on the St. Scholastica Library’s Catalog of Birds — a list of campus bird species that began in 1978 by faculty emerita Sister Donna Schroeder and her students.
The event attracted members of the St. Scholastica community, including Sister Donna Schroeder herself, demonstrating a deep commitment to the arts and education. The premiere of “Vesper Waltz” holds special significance for the St. Scholastica Library; the piece was funded by the Friends of the Library and aligns with the interdisciplinary project dedicated to the rich bird presence on campus.
A continued partnership with Matinee Musicale
A longstanding supporter of the local arts scene, Matinee Musicale is entering its 125th season in 2024-25. This continued partnership with St. Scholastica represents a common commitment to spotlighting underrepresented artists and fostering a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for diverse musical expressions. The Nov. 10 recital demonstrates how music can weave together narratives of heritage, nature and community.
Join The College of St. Scholastica and Matinee Musicale for an upcoming collaborative event on Tuesday, April 1. The event will feature internationally acclaimed Bach expert Angela Hewitt as we continue to honor the deep cultural connections fostered by music.
