Kent State University, OH – In a captivating recital at Ludwig Hall last Sunday evening, Claire Laux, a junior at Kent State University pursuing a double major in neuroscience and violin, mesmerized her audience with a stunning display of musical prowess. The concert, lasting approximately an hour and twenty minutes, showcased Laux’s exceptional talent as she flawlessly rendered selections from Bach’s violin repertoire, followed by Wieniawski’s Scherzo-Tarantella, and Mendelssohn’s renowned Violin Concerto in E minor. Accompanied by pianist Helen Kohler, Laux delivered a memorized performance, captivating the crowd without a single sheet of music in sight.
Among the audience were fellow students, professors, and notable figures such as Provost Melody Tankersley. The attendees included teachers and friends from Laux’s early years at Kent Schools, as well as mentors from her time at Kent State’s Child Development Center. Retired Akron Beacon Journal Editor Bob Springer, a member of the Kent Lions committee, expressed the committee’s admiration for Laux’s intelligence and maturity, highlighting her well-deserved Lions scholarship.
Janet, a supporter of a scholarship fund for Kent State University Orchestra students, established in memory of her late mother, expressed continued support for Claire, who has been the scholarship recipient since her freshman year.
Tracy Laux, Claire’s father and a mathematics professor at Kent State, remains a dedicated supporter, and Janet, having established a close bond with Claire, acknowledges her exceptional maturity.
Facing an unexpected challenge, Claire learned just hours before her solo recital that she would stand in for the sidelined concertmaster of the KSU Orchestra due to COVID. Unfazed, Claire seamlessly transitioned into the role, earning polite applause from the audience.
The orchestra’s Sunday afternoon concert, conducted by Dr. Jacob Schnitzer, explored a musical journey in search of American identity. The program included works by Aaron Copeland and Adolphus Hailstork, with guest artist Dr. Jackline Madegwa Woodard, a distinguished soprano. The Kent Chorale, led by conductor Shawn Hinkle, showcased selections of Lakota American Indian music, contributing to the theme proposed by choral conductor Bret Peppo.
The concert concluded with Symphony No. 4, “Autochthonous,” by William Grant Still, an African American composer associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Dr. Schnitzer described the piece as a tribute to America’s can-do spirit, aligning with the theme of searching for an American identity.
While the performance differed from the anticipated December Christmas repertoire, Janet noted the high level of artistry and expressed her admiration, stating, “I loved it.” Claire Laux continues to leave an indelible mark on the Kent State music community, earning acclaim for her exceptional talents and poise on stage.
