Highlights from the Lessard Concert

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Gisele Schierhorst

The concert tribute to the life and music of John “Jack,” Lessard took place on Thursday night, October 22, before an audience of nearly two hundred in the Staller Center’s Recital Hall. Music Department Chair Perry Goldstein welcomed the audience, thanking Lessard’s widow, Dr. Sarah Fuller (Prof. Emeritus, Music Department, Stony Brook) for her assistance in organizing the event. Goldstein also thanked the faculty and students performing that evening. Selections included Lessard’s “Duet for Piano and Percussion,” (1984) “Selected Songs for Voice and Piano,” (1939-1957) and:

Woodwind Quintet II (1970) (Daniel Carlo, flute; Alan Morris, oboe; David Gazaille, clarinet; Katie Duke, horn; and Rachel Koeth, bassoon)

Album for Guitar, 7 movements (1986) (Jerry Willard, guitar):

The Pond in a Bowl, song cycle (1984) (Tony Arnold, soprano; Stephen Paysen, percussion, George Fisher, piano)

and Pavane (2002) (Lessard’s last work) (Dominic Donato and Stephen Paysen, percussion)

Several of the musicians preceded their performances with fond memories of having worked with Lessard. A reception in the lobby immediately followed the concert.