ABOUT THE ARTISTS Alana Alexander, violin Alana Alexander is a senior Music Education major at West Chester University. Music has always been an important part of Alana’s life, growing up in a community where school music programs and community involvement helped shape her love for music. As a violinist, she has continued to grow as a musician through her studies and performance experiences at West Chester University. In addition to playing the violin, Alana has a strong love for singing and enjoys expressing herself through different forms of music. Along with performing, Alana is passionate about music education and sharing her love of music with others. She has experience teaching private string lessons and working with young children, which has strengthened her desire to make music accessible and meaningful for students of all ages and backgrounds. She hopes to inspire her future students in the same way that her own musical experiences, teachers, and community have inspired her.
Maximillian Esmus, piano Maximillian Esmus is an organist, pianist, and music educator, who has served as organist at Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, PA since 2021. He has recently given organ recitals in Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Troy, PA, including on the celebrated organ of Longwood Gardens. Max is an active member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), from which he has earned the Associate Organist Certification and serves as communications coordinator of the Philadelphia AGO Chapter. As a registered Suzuki Method piano teacher, Max maintains a busy teaching schedule at Friedlander Piano Studio in West Chester and is current President of the Main Line Music Teachers Association. Max was previously organist at a number of churches in southern New Jersey, and on the choral music faculty at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. He earned degrees in music from Rowan University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
PROGRAM NOTES ALLEGRO IN G FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO (1730) Joseph-Hector Fiocco was a Belgian composer who lived during the Baroque period. His “Allegro” has become a popular piece for violinists because of its lively sound, quick passages, and exciting musical character. The piece includes fast scales, arpeggios, and string crossings that challenge the violinist while giving the music its energetic feel. I have enjoyed working on this piece because it pushes me to improve my technique while also letting me have fun with the music. I like how much energy it has and how the different sections give me opportunities to show different sides of my playing. Preparing this piece for my senior recital has been a chance to challenge myself and reflect on how much I have grown as a violinist. I hope the audience enjoys listening to it as much as I have enjoyed learning and performing it.
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL (2026) “It Is Well with My Soul” is a beloved Christian hymn with lyrics written by Horatio G. Spafford and music composed by Philip P. Bliss. The hymn is known for its message of faith, peace, and trusting God through life's difficult moments. Its beautiful melody and meaningful words have made it a special piece for many people throughout the years. This arrangement is especially meaningful to me because it combines my love for music with my faith. Krista and I worked together to create this arrangement, which made it something special for both of us. I am excited to share it in my senior recital with Max accompanying me on piano. Being involved in music at my church has shown me how music can bring people together and offer comfort and encouragement. I hope this arrangement allows the audience to connect with the message of the hymn and experience some of the peace and hope that it brings me.
VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN A MINOR (1868) Jean-Baptiste Accolay was a Belgian violinist, teacher, and composer who lived during the Romantic period. His Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, written in 1868, is a well-known piece in the violin repertoire. The concerto combines beautiful, expressive melodies with faster, more challenging passages, giving the violinist a chance to show both technical ability and musical expression. One of the things I enjoy most about this piece is the way it balances emotional, lyrical sections with moments that are more energetic and technically challenging. Working on this concerto has pushed me to grow as a violinist and think more about how I want to communicate the music to an audience. Including it in my senior recital is especially meaningful because it represents the time, effort, and dedication I have put into my musical journey. I am excited to share this piece and the different emotions it brings out in me.