Mercyhurst University has always supported its students.
This is true whether they are current students or alumni.
On Sept. 16, the 31st season of the Roche Guest Artist Series kicked off with a vocal recital by MU alumnus Jared Hancock, ‘16, baritone, accompanied on piano by D’Angelo Department of Music Chair, Nathan Hess, D.M.A.
Hancock performed pieces varying from arias in German and Italian to musical theater numbers.
The first half of the concert largely showcased Hancock’s mastery of German lieder and French mélodie, with a song cycle by Franz Schubert and two of Henri Duparc’s surviving pieces, “L’invitasion au voyage” and “La vie anterieure.”
To conclude the first act, Hancock performed a contemporary aria entitled “Private First Class Jesse Givens,” a setting of a late soldier’s letter home while fighting the War on Terror.
This was a very moving piece, and it had me in tears.
The second half of Hancock’s concert intrigued the audience with a variety of works from Puccini to Sondheim.
To execute the beginning of the second act, Hancock performed arias from Puccini and Korngold’s operas, which heavily flaunted Hancock’s vocal range and dynamic skills.
He then performed famous songs from the Great White Way, including “Johanna” from Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim and “Stars” from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg.
Overall, Hancock’s recital was a successful start to the Roche Guest Artist Series.
His vocal technique was impressive, as was his command of dynamics.
His diligence was obvious throughout this performance.
With a captivating authority to his voice, Hancock made it very obvious that he is passionate about the art he creates.