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WVU student brings original music drama to life Jan. 28-29

Luke Diamond

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For as long as he can remember, West Virginia University student Luke Diamond has envisioned scripting and composing his own music productions. As a senior music composition major, Diamond has turned his vision into reality.

“Ma Grâce te Suffit” – based on the fairytale “Aurore et Aimée” by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont – tells the story of a girl who is subjected to a series of tragic events and blames God for each of them, only to learn that God was using the events for her good.

When the idea for the performance came to Diamond, he was motivated to bring it to reality to help others through their hardships.

“It’s a story of great tragedy and loss, and while not everyone has suffered the same losses as the character Aurore, I am certain that we’ve all been through hardships that cause us to feel as if we’ve hit rock bottom,” Diamond said. “The title is a promise from God that literally means ‘my grace suffices you,’ and this work delves into the validity of that promise.”

Diamond has played the roles of conductor, author, lyricist, theorist, pianist, vocal coach, conductor and businessman for the production.

“Luke has worked extremely hard on putting this production together,” said Kym Scott, assistant professor and director of choral activities at WVU. “He has had to consider every aspect that goes into putting together a professional production and has worked tirelessly over the last few months to make sure that every element has received his full attention. I believe that Luke’s passion for music, along with his drive and exceptional work ethic will ensure that this will be a wonderful show.”

Playing starring roles in the production are Kathryn Shepas and Steven Patrick, WVU voice performance alumni; Hannah Friend, a voice performance major; and Toni Rose, a Morgantown fifth grade student.

WVU music students comprise the production’s orchestra while students and community members collaborate in the choir directed by Scott. WVU voice faculty members in the production are Rob Chafin, Hope Koehler and William Koehler. Featured WVU dancers were organized and choreographed by General Hambrick, assistant professor of dance.

“Not a single element of this production would be possible if it weren’t for the support of the teachers who helped and encouraged me,” Diamond said, also noting the hard work of the entire cast. “The music for the production is anything but easy and the performers have all put a lot of time and energy into learning their parts. Bringing the production to life has certainly taught me that I reap what I sow, because the difficulties and complexities I wrote for the performers to play, I now have to guide them through from the conductor’s podium.”

Performances begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 in the Gladys Davis Theatre at the WVU Creative Arts Center. The shows are free and open to the public. As a student project, Diamond was responsible for all aspects of the production, including funding.

-WVU-

bmd/01/24/16

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