Vigthor Zophaniasson

(From left) Sarah Vlodek, Haley Rubin and Philip Detrick with Vigthor Zophoniasson. Photo by Abbie Wells

By Abbie Wells

The Waldorf Artist Series hosted singer Vigthor Zophaniasson. The Icelandic native performed to a packed recital hall.

On September 14, students and community members flocked to Waldorf’s Recital Hall to watch the tenor, Zophaniasson, perform an array of musical pieces including opera, Icelandic tunes, and musical theatre. The recital lasted just over an hour and had the crowd sitting on the edge of their seats, or on the edge of their toes, depending on how early you arrived to get.

“I loved the recital,” said sophomore music student Jennifer Martin. “He showed us how to pace a recital and keep the audience’s attention. The biggest thing I got out of it was how he acted every single piece, even if it was in a different language. ”

Zophaniasson’s talent didn’t stop after the recital. The following day he held a master class that was open for all music students to attend. Three students, seniors Haley Rubin, Sarah Vlodek, and Philip Detrick, were given the opportunity to sing for Zophaniasson and be critiqued on how to improve their vocal and performance techniques. Students attending the class watched as Zophaniasson taught the three performers how they could improve and perform to their best ability; both sides of the stage learning a few good lessons to take with them into the future.

“I learned about how to connect more with my audience and allow them to be apart of the emotional journey of the song with me,” senior master class performer Haley Rubin said. “This is going to help me so much any time I perform because you should always be opening yourself up on stage and allowing the audience to feel what you’re feeling.  This is something I have struggled with in the past and I’m excited to see the improvement I can make with his suggestions.”