Lydia George had her Senior Music Recital with Robin Thompson as her instructor on Sunday, June 14, at 4:00 p.m. at Main Street Methodist Church, 401 East Main Street, Dillon.
Lydia Helen George is the daughter of Ray and Tracy George of Latta and the brother of Harris George. She is the granddaughter of Marilyn Privette and Mary Helen George. She graduated in May 2026 as the Valedictorian of Latta High School. She has received a number of scholarships, including the Clemson University Merit Scholarship, Palmetto Pact Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, Ruiz 4 Kids Scholarship, Ella Mae Rose Scholarship, the Kathryn George Frost Leadership Scholarship, and others. She will be attending Clemson University this fall and majoring in nursing. Lydia has studied piano and organ with Robin Thompson for ten years. She has participated in the Florence Piano Festival annually, earning a 45- point Gold Cup for nine consecutive superior ratings. She has also been selected to play in the Honors Recital with the Florence Piano Festival. In the community, Lydia has played the piano at the Francis Marion University Nursing Pinning Ceremony, the Latta High School Baccalaureate Service, and the Dillon County Theatre Christmas Programs. She has played the piano at various churches, including Main Street Methodist Church, Latta Baptist Church, and Latta Southern Methodist Church services. She has also served as a worship leader at Camp Summers and Manget and Camp Three Forks Trail.
SENIOR RECITAL
Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, MBV 559 J.S. Bach An organ solo featuring rapid passages and the full power of a pipe organ.
Turkish March (From Sonata in A) K.331 W.A. Mozart The third and final movement in the Sonata; this selection is lively, rhythmic, and imitates the sound of Turkish Janissary Bands that were popular in Europe at this time.
Ecossaisen (Scotch Dances) L. Van Beethoven This piece, in the key Eb Major and in 2/4 meter, is a series of seven variations on the same melody reflecting a Scottish Country Dance.
Adagio Cantabile (“Pathetique” Sonata) L. Van Beethoven The 2nd Movement of Sonata No. 8, in C Minor, Op.13 is deeply expressive and is one of the more celebrated and lyrical melodies in the Classical Period Repertoire. This Sonata also foreshadows the approaching Romantic Period in Music History. Organ accompaniment reflects the presence of strings in an orchestra with the piano.
Standchen (Serenade) D.957, No. 4 F. Schubert This beautiful piece of music is designed to describe a lover singing outside a beloved’s window at night. “Softly my song pleads through the night to you.”
Wiegenliedchen Op. 124, No. 6 R. Schumann Translated “Little Cradle Song” or “Lullaby”, this character piece of the Romantic Period showcases a singing melody accompanied by relentless triplets. The organ again imitates strings
Intermezzo Sinfonico from the opera, “Cavalleria Rusticano” P. Mascagni A duet for organ and piano, this selection is lush and lyrical and is celebrated for its serene emotional melody. Because of its haunting beauty, the Intermezzo has been featured in sever major films including “Raging Bull” and “The Godfather, part III.”
The Singing Tower W.O. Munn A piano and organ duet written in 1939, this selection is reminiscent of George Gershwin and especially of his “Rhapsody in Blue.”
The Homecoming H. Hardy A nostalgic piece that was the Main Title theme from the movie “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story” about the Walton family that inspired the long running television series.
Tara’s Theme (from “Gone with the Wind”) M. Steiner This arrangement recreates the sweeping Main Instrumental theme composed for the 1939 film magnificently for the piano.
Overture Juvenile E.F. Christiani A vintage piano piece written in 1920 and published in The Etude-Presser’s Musical Magazine as a piano duet in Sonatina form.
For Home and Country H. Engelmann An antique World War I piece of sheet music in military style invoking a stirring March (2 steps per measure); this piano duet was also published in 1920 in the Etude-Presser’s Musical Magazine.
