VICENZA, Italy - A cornucopia of artistic talent was on display at Vicenza Elementary and Middle Schools Friday on a day that saw classical music performances by renowned Italian pianist Davide Franceschetti and the recognition of student artists for their submissions to the National PTA-sponsored Reflections: The Magic of a Moment competition.
"It was truly a celebration of the arts," said VMS history teacher Angela West, the event coordinator.
Students in first through eighth grade got to hear Franceschetti's renditions of the music of Chopin, Gershwin and Debussy. After his riveting piano performances, one first-grader described the maestro's keyboard pyrotechnics as sounding like "birds flapping their wings."
"It made me feel magic," said another first-grader.
"It made me feel like I was in paradise," said a third.
[See below for a random sampling of first-grader comments].
Those awestruck responses notwithstanding, Franceschetti said he is concerned about the fading appeal that classical music has for today's young people.
"I'm worried that the classical music audience is dwindling. I believe it's important for kids to take today's experience home and help broaden the classical music audience and themselves," he said.
The world-class concert pianist also visited music and piano classes to observe the American students and hear short performances by some.
Both the middle and elementary schools now boast piano labs with more than 20 full-scale electrical pianos for student instruction. Walking around and assisting students with everything from correct hand placement to helping with musical interpretation, Franceshcetti appeared to be in his element.
Student winners of the Reflections contest were awarded certificates and medals for their participation in creating artistic work in the visual arts, literature, photography, dance choreography and musical composition.
First-place winners who will go on to the European PTA-level round are Logan Tach, Layne Keck, Caroline Bennett, Caleb Robles, Cole Keck, Abigail Matheson and Jarrod Keck.
Participation in the Reflections competition was sponsored by the school's PTSA, and the Caserma Ederle branch of the Global Credit Union provided awards and prizes.
Franceschetti's performances were made possible by the generous financial support from the PTSA, Global Credit Union and the Vicenza Community Club.
Vicenza Elementary School first-graders respond to pianist Davide Franceschetti's performance of Chopin, Debussy and Gershwin.
"It made me feel like I was riding a giant eagle."
"It was so magical and beautiful."
"I was flying on a dragon."
"It made me feel like I was dancing on top of dolphins."
"The last song made me feel sad."
"I liked when he played fast music and in my dream I was flying with a dragon."
"It sounded like birds flapping their wings."
"It made me feel like I had 10,000 toys!"
"It feels like the smooth wind and it sounded prettier than ever."
"I felt like I was touching smooth clouds."
"I liked it because I liked the low sounds."
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