Illinois, USA - Beauty, talent, intellect. We know, you’ve heard this all before. But is it again true? Absolutely!
Josanne Francis on tenor
On Wednesday night When Steel Talks (WST) was afforded the opportunity to watch and listen to panist Josanne Francis via a live internet broadcast from the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall on the NIU (Northern Illinois University) campus. On this occasion Ms. Francis performed Jan Bach’s Concerto for Steelpan and Orchestra with the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra. Indeed, great musical performances are the standard and normal expectation at NIU. So the question becomes - can the performing artist deliver that special ‘extra’ that separates them from even the greats, and catapults them into a unique and exceptional place for musicians? Without a doubt Ms. Francis delivered.
Josanne Francis
and the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra
This performance was part of the NIU Ensemble Concert Series. In addition to Josanne Francis on steelpan, also featured on this card - Kyle Krause, piano; Moonja Jeong, soprano; Hanna Bingham, violin and Lucia Matos, conductor.
Josanne Francis and the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra
Ms. Francis displayed an awesome command of the steelpan instrument. At times her hands seem to be floating as the wings of a butterfly, with a ‘wand-like’ touch that would make the great Robert Greenidge proud, and yet, it was not devoid of power when needed. Her performance delivered dynamics, rhythm and melodic content that translated into a hypnotic control of the audience. The comprehensive piece was simply a joy to listen to as NIU Philharmonic supported the rhythm, poise and musicianship of Josanne Francis.
Josanne Francis and the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra
Josanne Francis is from Diego Martin, Trinidad and was selected as one of four winners of the 2013 Northern Illinois University Concerto competition, playing this very piece by Jan Bach, which was originally composed in 1994 for Liam Teague.
For that 2013 competition, in the largest category of “Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion,” Ms. Francis competed against several other musicians, advancing to the final round and on October 25th she emerged as the winner of the category. Other winners were Hanna Bingham, violin (Strings Category), Kyle Krause, piano (Piano Category), and Moonja Jeong, voice (Voice Category) - all of whom also performed at the Wednesday evening concert.
Josanne Francis is a student of Liam Teague and is on course to graduate with a Masters degree in Music in May 2014. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Leave a comment in the WST forum