Senior mezzo-soprano Kaylena Greenwell of Crystal, Minnesota will graduate on June 1 with a major in political science and a minor in music. Before she receives her diploma, she will present her senior recital in Bjorling Recital Hall on Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 p.m. All members of the public can attend the concert for free and refreshments will follow the concert’s conclusion.
Michael Asmus will accompany Kaylena for a wide range of musical repertoire. She will open the concert with “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” by George Bizet. After that she will sing Moses Hogan’s arrangement of “Were You There?” Then she will perform “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” composed by Robert MacGimsey. Her next works will be Edward Boatner’s arrangement of “Wade in the Water,” followed by “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess, created by George Gershwin. She will continue with a set of songs in Spanish. The first song of the set will be “Niño precioso,” arranged by Scarlett Antaloczy. Fellow mezzo-sopreano Kate Day will join Kaylena for “Flor, blanca flor,” which was also arranged by Scarlett Antaloczy. Kaylena’s final Spanish piece will be “La Paloma blanca” by Edward Kilenyi.
Following her Spanish set, Kaylena will sing “People” from Funny Girl with lyrics written by Bob Merrill and music by Julie Styne. “Your Daddy’s Son” will be her second to last piece, composed by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Kaylena will wrap up her recital with “Ain’t Misbehavin,” lyrics written by Andy Razaf and music created by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Harry Brooks. With such a variety of pieces, all audience members will find a favorite piece from the recital.
Kaylena’s senior recital will be at 12:30 p.m. at Bjorling Recital Hall on Sunday May 4. Refreshments will be present at the end of the recital and attendance is free to the public.