Photo by Brett Durda
Tables turned as JU professor took the stage. Robert Tudor, Ph.D., performed his show, “Between the Sea and the Sand,” in a faculty recital Friday, Jan. 20 in the Terry Concert Hall.
Tudor sang a combination of musical selections from classical to jazz genres. The variety of songs appealed to a large audience. He showcased some new music he had been working on in addition to some works from his past.
The show included works from Alberto Hemsi (1898-1975), Hans Pfitzner (1869-1949), Ben Moore (1960-), Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994) and some songs from Tudor’s previous performances from over the years. Tudor showcased his talent by singing Hemsi’s pieces in old Sephardic Spanish. The recital ended with some traditional Irish folk songs, which have a soft spot in Tudor’s heart.
Faculty and students from the music department were in attendance accompanied by other members of the Jacksonville community.
The selections composed by Ben Moore brought tears to audience members’ eyes. Junior Brittany Nickell shared her emotional response to the performance.
“At a certain point, I was literally weeping from the message that the music was showcasing,” she said. “My favorite part of the recital was the selections by Moore. They were so moving that it brought quite a few tears.”
Students in the music department really enjoyed their time in the audience while their professor had a chance to perform. Senior Maggie Moore expressed her excitement for the recital.
“I’m really glad I had the chance to see Dr. Tudor’s recital. There were so many styles of music represented and he performed them all equally well,” she said. “It was a nice change for me, a music student, to see one of my professors perform.”
The switching of roles between the students and professors gave the students a chance to see potential future accomplishments.
“It is an amazing feeling being able to witness your teacher and role model up on stage doing what he’s passionate about,” said Nickell. “Here at JU, we are incredibly lucky to have professors who are still performing and able to show us first hand a visible representation of what I hope to be doing in my future.”