Senior Spotlight: Marana Tso
Marana Tso (Submitted Photo)
By Jackie McMahon, Staff Writer
Fresh off her senior recital, Marana Tso ’20 is looking forward to the rest of her senior year at Gettysburg. A Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major and Music minor, she is thankful for the freedom college has given her to pursue her passions for both music and the sciences.
“Gettysburg College fosters an environment that encourages students to try everything and do everything, which comes with definite benefits and drawbacks,” says Tso. “But by taking advantage of the opportunities available, failing and succeeding, and learning to balance my career goals, skills, and passions, I feel more prepared from an educational standpoint than many of my other peers at other institutions.”
Her recital, entitle “Honor” was held on Feb. 21. As part of her chamber group Mar/Ana, Tso and Ana Vashakmadze ’22 performed 6 Tango-Études for Violin Solo, Etudes no 1. and 3 by Astor Piazzolla, Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano, Mov. II “Blues” by Maurice Ravel, Tambourin Chinois (Chinese Drums) by Friedrich “Fritz” Kreisler, Suite de Danzas Criollas (Creole Dance Suite), Op. 15, No. I-IV by Alberto Ginastera, and Sonata No.2 for Violin and Piano, Op. 13 by Edvard Grieg, with Tso playing violin.
Now that her senior recital is behind her, Tso is busy applying for Ph.D. programs to further pursue her interests in microbiology and the biological sciences. She hopes to become a research scientist in the infectious disease field, perhaps for a government institution like the National Institute of Health.
As for her music, even though it will not be related to her career, she knows that it will continue to be an integral part of her life in the future. “For music, I know I will continue playing, not to the same intensity as I have in the past, but I want to be able to share music with audiences and with fellow musicians.” Tso says. “My goal would be to keep up the relationships I have established with fellow musicians and composers at the conservatory and be able to participate in small chamber settings.”
In the near future, she will be continuing to play in preparation for the memorial concert being held for her former violin professor and mentor, Dr. Yeon-Su Kim, who passed away last fall.
