University students who have been anticipating their graduation – complete with celebrations, final recitals and capstone project presentations - are struggling with the abrupt end to campus activity as a result of COVID-19 closures.
The setback prompted Mykayla Turner, who has called Conrad Grebel University College a second home during her time studying health studies and music at the University of Waterloo, to record her recital in the Grebel Chapel.
“Mykayla offers music to bring peace and hope to others, as we all struggle to deal with a bewildering and bleak time in our world,” said Laura Gray, a music professor and department chair. “Her graduation recital this year is a case in point, perhaps reaching more of us than it originally would have, had things gone according to plan.”
As a parting gift to those who have supported her in her musical pursuits, Mykayla shared her recorded recital with a note of encouragement: “I hope my recital brings you what you are in need of during this season - be it joy, peace, or hope.”
She wrote that the final piece, Quejas o la maja y el ruisenor (Laments or The Maiden and the Nightingale), was her favourite.
“The piece is one that expresses deep and captivating sorrow, perhaps that of a young maiden, but it concludes with a "bird call" of sorts.” Mykayla explained that this hopeful end to grief felt especially fitting in the season of Easter and the “beauty of spring marred by a . . . viral fear.”
Mykayla said the piece acts as her reminder to “lament well in this season, and be convinced that the nightingale still has the final word.”
