Emily Femino ’24 (Photo Courtesy of Emily Femino)
By Sarah Daniels, Staff Writer
On Nov. 12, music education major Emily Femino ’24 performed her senior recital in the Paul Recital Hall. Her performance was dedicated to family member Joe Femino.
Femino began with “Già della notte,” “Se non piange un’infelice,” “Vanne felice rio” and “Giusto amor,” all written by Louise Reichardt. She was accompanied by Lizzie Fuscaldo ’24 on fortepiano. Next, Femino sang G. F. Handel’s “Piangerò la sorte mia” from “Giulio Cesare,” with accompaniment by Isaac Master ’25 on the cello.
The next portion of the recital included “Ständchen” and “An die Nachtigall,” written by Johannes Brahms, as well as Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s “Ich wandelte unter den Bäumen” and “Sehnsucht.”
Other songs included Dave Malloy’s “No One Else” from “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” with accompaniment from Jess Schaefer ’24 on piano, Aaron Copland’s “Why Do They Shut Me Out of Heaven,” Amy Beach’s “Ah, Love But A Day” and Ned Rorem’s “Early in the Morning.” Her final song was “I Hate Music” by Leonard Bernstein, which was a humorous ending to the recital.
Femino’s favorite songs of the recital were “Ah, Love But A Day” and “No One Else.”
“I love really digging into the emotional content of a piece and trying to convey it to the audience as effectively as I can, and both of these had some really complex emotions to explore,” Femino said.
Femino also discussed her start in vocal performance: “I’ve been singing since I was a kid, my mom always encouraged me to explore my love of it. I didn’t start taking voice lessons until sophomore year of high school, though!”
Femino spoke on her love for singing, which has inspired her to teach after graduation.
“I wanted to major in music education because I felt a calling to help students find a love of music. I like to say that I may not be able to change the world, but I may be able to change the world for one student, and that’s what I want to do,” Femino said.
On campus, Femino is a member of Tri Sigma, as well as numerous musical groups outside of the Conservatory like the band Grenadine: “…[it] is a really great way for me to explore music outside of my more classical endeavors.”
Upon completing her recital, Femino shared, “I’d like to thank Professor Fahnestock, my voice teacher. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He pushes me to do my best while also encouraging me when I need it. I’m going to miss my lessons with him when I student teach!”
This article originally appeared on page 11 of the December 2023 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
Emily Femino ’24 performing at her senior recital. (Photo Grace Jurchak/The Gettysburgian)
