Music enthusiasts gathered at the Tritico Theatre on Sunday for an exceptional piano recital by Dr. Lina Morita, a professor of music at McNeese State University. The concert, presented by the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Performing Arts Department, featured a diverse program that brought to life the works of Manuel Ponce, Frédéric Chopin, Maurice Ravel, and Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Morita shared that the recital was thoughtfully curated with a central theme of homage. The performance began with pieces by Mexican composer Manuel Ponce, whose music blends European and Mexican influences.
“Ponce’s style is a fusion of European and Mexican traditions,” Morita explained. “The Miniatures are very French in style, which sets the stage for the Ravel piece later. His Mazurka, written for the Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia, is a tribute to Chopin, who is known for his Polish Mazurkas.”
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth, Morita included the evocative Ondine from Gaspard de la Nuit, one of her personal favorites. Describing the piece, Morita said, “It’s haunting and demands immense technical skill. The melody evolves throughout, with different harmonizations and voicings, creating beautiful colors that Ravel intended to bring out despite the technical challenges.”
The program then moved to works by Frédéric Chopin, whose music is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and technical intricacy. Morita’s performance of Chopin demonstrated the delicate phrasing and expressive dynamics that have made the composer’s works beloved worldwide, as well as his influence on both Ponce and Ravel.
The concert concluded with a selection of pieces by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, whose works have a unique resonance for Morita, a Japanese-Brazilian pianist.
“Villa-Lobos combined European styles with Brazilian folk music,” Morita said. “His compositions are energetic, rhythmic, and full of color. He once said, ‘The map of Brazil was my harmony textbook.’ His music reflects the vibrancy of Brazil itself.”
Beyond her performances worldwide, Morita shared the special connection she feels to McNeese and Lake Charles, where she considers her second home.
“McNeese and Lake Charles are very dear to me,” she said. “It’s meaningful to perform for my students and the community here.”
The intimate setting of the Tritico Theatre, which seats around 500 people, provided an engaging and personal concert experience, bridging the gap between artist and audience.
For Morita, performance is a vital part of her teaching. “We teach through the art of performance,” she explained. “It’s important for my students to see and hear the things I work on with them. A great performance always inspires me to go home and practice!”
She hopes her students are inspired by live performances to strive for excellence in their own musical endeavors.
For those new to classical music, Morita offered simple advice: “Keep an open mind and appreciate the unique style of each composer. I like to introduce the pieces I’m performing so that the audience understands what they are about to hear. Connecting with the audience is essential for a performer.”
Morita believes that classical music is for everyone and encourages listeners to embrace the emotional journey each composition offers.
Looking ahead, Morita is preparing for a busy year of performances. In May, she will travel to Spain to perform with her husband, guitarist Jay Kacherski. The duo has been commissioning new works for piano and guitar, including compositions by Brazilian composer Clarice Assad and Spanish composer José Galeote.
This summer, Morita will return to her hometown of São Paulo, Brazil, to perform at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture, celebrating the 130th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Brazil. These performances are particularly meaningful for Morita, as they allow her to reconnect with her cultural heritage while sharing her passion for music.
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