APU student violinist showcases talent in Munson Chapel
On Feb. 6, Azusa Pacific’s School of Music hosted a student recital for music major Wallace Bispo Dos Santos, who is working towards his master’s degree in music.
Santos performed on the stage of Munson Chapel alongside pianist Melody Kuo. The concert was one of his requirements for attaining his Artist Certificate.
It has been a year since Santos moved from Brazil to the U.S. to pursue a degree in music. Although he has gained musical skills and has improved his understanding of English, he still experiences difficulties in expressing his thoughts in a foreign language.
Despite the language barrier between himself and his violin instructor, Ingrid Chun, Santos improved his craft. Chun believes this is due to music being a performative art that can be taught through demonstration, just as well as through speaking or writing.
“The violin is special because of its ability to sing,” Chun said. “You can have very legato lines that can almost transform. It’s almost like a human voice, and you know, sometimes more beautiful than a human voice … It can really just break your heart or elevate your spirit.”
Santos has practiced the violin since he was nine years old. As time went on, he began to perform at places in Brazil like the Heliopolis Symphony Orchestra, Sao Youth Orchestra and the Experimental Repertoire Orchestra.
The Artist Certificate Recital program is intended to give musicians a platform to showcase their talents to instructors, peers and guests.
“It’s nice to play in a bigger setting because you’re usually practicing in a tiny … room,” Chun said. “So it’s nice to feel that openness and hear your sound go out.”
The recital lasted for one hour and included classical songs from the likes of Johann Sebastian Bach, Eugène Ysaÿe, Niccolo Paganini and Johannes Brahms.
Many of Santos’ friends came to support him at the concert, including Thiago Correia, who is also a musician.
“He’s a very talented guy,” Correia said. “Everyone who always plays with him has a very good time because he’s an easygoing person.”
When the concert was over, Santos received applause from the audience and hugged his friends.
“I used to feel nervous [about performing], but lately I feel better,” Santos said. “When I play, I feel like [I’m] at peace.”