Whitewater Times

On April 4, 2025, Alissa Foerster delivered her senior piano recital at Burckart Hall. The program showcased her ability in both solo and collaborative piano performance, featuring music from various style periods.

Ruth Bachorik, associate professor, noted, "Alissa has demonstrated excellent growth in her playing, and a determination to persevere. Her recital was a joy to observe – the pieces were charming and captivating, at a perfect level for her, and she showed joy in sharing her pieces." Professor Janet Tschida commented, "Alissa’s grit, determination, and strong work ethic over the past four years was clearly demonstrated in her performance. Great choice of diverse repertoire showcasing a variety of pianistic styles. Congrats to Alissa on a successful evening."

Foerster's recital was part of the requirements for her bachelor of arts degree in Music, with concentrations in Piano Pedagogy and Church Music, under the guidance of Mrs. Ruth Brown. She plans to work at Christian camps in Louisiana and Hong Kong this summer. In the fall, she intends to teach private piano lessons, minister through music at her home church, and work for her father's business.

The recital included several notable pieces. Khachaturian's "Two Ladies Gossiping" featured accented notes and dissonant harmonies representing gossip. Shelly Hamilton's arrangement of the hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," performed with Allie Morken, expressed trust in the Lord. Shostakovich's "Five Pieces for Violin, Viola, and Piano" included "Prelude," "Waltz," and "Polka," each with distinct character, performed in collaboration with friends Gabriella and Lydia. The evening concluded with Faye Lopez's arrangement of the "Doxology," a hymn of praise written by Thomas Ken.

The recital and its highlights are available for viewing through provided photographs.